This fungus first interacts with epithelial cells that play a crucial role in protecting the body against invasion by pathogenic organisms and in regulating the cytokine network. C. albicans is recognized by many receptors including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), and can induce proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production in various cell types including epithelial cells, which serve as barriers to oral candidiasis