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Adherence of platelets to Candida species in vivo
R Robert1, S Nail, A Marot-Leblond
1Groupe d'Etude des Interactions Hôte-Parasite, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Pharmacie, 49000 Angers, France. raymond.robert@univ-angers.fr
Abstract:
The in vivo interactions of platelets with Candida species yeast cells were investigated in a murine model. Mice were injected intravenously via the lateral caudal vein, and blood drawn by periorbital puncture was collected in phosphate-buffered saline-formaldehyde to avoid in vitro platelet activation. The study of the clearance of blastoconidia of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata showed that these cells disappeared quickly from the bloodstream. Microscopic observation of blood samples, stained by Calcofluor white or May Grunwald Giemsa, demonstrated the rapid attachment of platelets to fungal elements of all the Candida spp. tested. The attachment of murine platelets to C. albicans cells, observed by scanning electron microscopy, revealed morphological changes. The platelets lost their discoid shape, generated pseudopodia, and flattened against the yeast cells. The reversibility of platelet binding to C. albicans by chelating agents suggests a cation-dependent link. In contrast, the fixation of C. glabrata and Candida tropicalis was not modified by chelating agents. The mechanisms involved in the in vivo adherence of platelets to Candida cells may therefore differ according to the species of Candida.
Insights
Platelets rapidly attach to Candida yeast cells in vivo, a process crucial for clearing fungal infections. This interaction varies by Candida species, suggesting different binding mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Hematology
Background:
- Candida species are opportunistic fungal pathogens that can cause systemic infections.
- Platelets play a role in host defense against microbial pathogens.
- Understanding the interaction between platelets and Candida is important for developing new therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo interactions between platelets and various Candida species in a murine model.
- To characterize the kinetics and mechanisms of platelet-fungal cell adherence.
- To determine if the interaction differs among Candida species.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous injection of Candida species into mice.
- Blood collection and processing to preserve platelet integrity.
- Microscopic examination (Calcofluor white, May Grunwald Giemsa, scanning electron microscopy) of blood samples.
- Assessment of platelet-fungal cell binding using chelating agents.
Main Results:
- Candida blastoconidia were rapidly cleared from the bloodstream.
- Platelets quickly attached to all tested Candida species in vivo.
- Platelet interaction with Candida albicans involved morphological changes and cation-dependent binding.
- Platelet binding to Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis was not affected by chelating agents.
Conclusions:
- Platelets play a significant role in the in vivo clearance of Candida species.
- The mechanisms of platelet adherence to Candida differ depending on the fungal species.
- Further research into these species-specific interactions may reveal novel therapeutic targets.