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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Macrophage Cholesterol Depletion and Its Effect on the Phagocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans
Published on: December 19, 2014
Capsule and melanin synthesis in Cryptococcus neoformans
1Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA.
Abstract:
Melanization is a property that is shared among several human pathogenic fungi, whereas encapsulation is a property unique to Cryptococcus neoformans. Focusing on C. neoformans, the current knowledge of the structure and synthesis of the melanin and polysaccharide capsule is discussed. The importance of such basic biological information is underscored by the involvement of each to the pathogenic ability of the fungus and their potential as drug targets, yet areas where critical data remain elusive are clearly visible. Finally, in recognition of the fact that C. neoformans is a free-living organism, we conclude by examining the possible biological importance of each of these traits for environmental survival of the fungus.
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