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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

Automated Measurement of Cryptococcal Species Polysaccharide Capsule and Cell Body

Automated Measurement of Cryptococcal Species Polysaccharide Capsule and Cell Body

Published on: January 11, 2018

In vitro C3 deposition on Cryptococcus capsule occurs via multiple complement activation pathways.

Kileen L Mershon-Shier¹, Alex Vasuthasawat, Kazue Takahashi

¹Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics and the Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.

Molecular Immunology

|July 5, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Cryptococcus fungi activate complement via multiple pathways, including the alternative pathway. This process requires complement component C4 and mannose-binding lectin (MBL) proteins for effective fungal immune evasion.

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Size Matters: Measurement of Capsule Diameter in Cryptococcus neoformans

Size Matters: Measurement of Capsule Diameter in Cryptococcus neoformans

Published on: February 27, 2018

Area of Science:

Immunology
Microbiology
Mycology

Background:

Cryptococcus species (C. gattii and C. neoformans) are fungal pathogens with a glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) capsule.
The GXM capsule is a key site for complement activation and deposition of complement components.
Complement activation occurs through classical, alternative, and lectin pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the complement activation pathways utilized by Cryptococcus spp.
To determine the roles of specific complement components (C4, C3, factor B, MBL) in Cryptococcus spp. complement activation.
To elucidate the complex interactions between Cryptococcus spp. and the complement system.

Main Methods:

Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy were used to quantify C3 deposition on Cryptococcus spp.
Incubation with serum from wild-type and complement-deficient mice (C4-/-, C3-/-, factor B-/-, MBL-deficient).
Assessment of complement activation in EGTA-treated serum and with disrupted MBL lectin binding activity.

Main Results:

Cryptococcus spp. activate complement via the alternative pathway in EGTA-treated serum.
Complement activation by Cryptococcus spp. was observed even in factor B-deficient serum, indicating alternative pathway involvement.
A crucial role for C4 in alternative pathway activation by Cryptococcus spp. was identified.
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays a complex and essential role; its absence prevents complement activation.
Alternative pathway activation by C. neoformans requires both MBL-A and -C, while C. gattii requires either MBL-A or -C.

Conclusions:

Complement activation by Cryptococcus spp. involves multiple pathways.
Alternative pathway activation by Cryptococcus spp. necessitates the presence of C4 and MBL proteins.
The findings highlight intricate host-pathogen interactions in fungal immune evasion strategies.