Filamentous fungal biofilms: Conserved and unique aspects of extracellular matrix composition, mechanisms of drug resistance and regulatory networks in Aspergillus fumigatus

The filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is an ubiquitous mold that can cause invasive pulmonary infections in immunocompromised patients. Within the lung, A. fumigatus forms biofilms that can enhance resistance to antifungals and immune defenses, highlighting the importance of defining the mechanisms underlying biofilm development and associated emergent properties. A. fumigatus biofilms display a morphology and architecture that is distinct from bacterial and yeast biofilms. Moreover, A. fumigatus biofilms display unique characteristics in the composition of their extracellular matrix (ECM) and the regulatory networks governing biofilm formation. This review will discuss our current understanding of the form and function of A. fumigatus biofilms, including the unique components of ECM matrix, potential drug resistance mechanisms, the regulatory networks governing A. fumigatus biofilm formation, and potential therapeutics targeting these structures.