Histatins Antifungal — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModeratePhysiologyHistatins AntifungalMFDS Part 1

Which family of salivary proteins contributes directly to innate oral antifungal defence against Candida albicans through candidacidal activity and induction of fungal ATP efflux?

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Correct answer: D — Histatins

Histatins are histidine-rich antimicrobial peptides secreted in human saliva. Histatin 5 is particularly active against Candida albicans and can cause fungal killing associated with ATP efflux; its activity may involve intracellular targets and, under some conditions, membrane permeabilisation. Amylase primarily digests dietary starch. Mucins provide lubrication and contribute to microbial aggregation and mucosal protection but are not the salivary protein family classically responsible for direct candidacidal activity. Proline-rich proteins participate in acquired pellicle formation and bind dietary compounds. Statherin stabilises calcium and phosphate in saliva and helps regulate mineral homeostasis. Therefore, histatins are the single best answer.

Reference: Norris HL, Kumar R, Ong CY, Xu D, Edgerton M. Zinc Binding by Histatin 5 Promotes Fungicidal Membrane Disruption in C. albicans and C. glabrata. Journal of Fungi. 2020;6(3):124. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32751915/