Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
11:07
Macrophage Cholesterol Depletion and Its Effect on the Phagocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans
Published on: December 19, 2014
Host defenses against cryptococcosis
Michael S Price1, John R Perfect
1Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Immunological Investigations
|October 12, 2011
Summary
Pathogenic Cryptococcus species uniquely interact with host immune cells, promoting intracellular growth. Host responses, particularly in the central nervous system, cause disease symptoms, offering novel treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pathogenic *Cryptococcus* species exhibit unique host interactions compared to other fungi like *Aspergillus fumigatus* and *Candida albicans*.
- This fungus engages in intimate associations with host immune cells, facilitating enhanced intracellular proliferation.
- Disease manifestations in cryptococcosis are often host-derived, resulting from immune responses attempting to clear the pathogen, especially from the central nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of host-*Cryptococcus* interactions.
- To explore therapeutic strategies based on this knowledge for treating cryptococcal infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of host-*Cryptococcus* interactions.
- Analysis of immune responses in cryptococcal disease.
- Exploration of potential treatment avenues.
Main Results:
- *Cryptococcus* exploits host immune cells for intracellular survival and growth.
- Host immune responses contribute significantly to the pathology of cryptococcal disease.
- Understanding these interactions provides a basis for novel therapeutic interventions.
Conclusions:
- Host-*Cryptococcus* interactions are distinct and critical to disease pathogenesis.
- Targeting host-pathogen interactions offers promising strategies for cryptococcal infection treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:26Defense Mechanism Against Infection
Natural flora, body system defenses, and inflammation are natural barriers of the body against infectious agents regardless of previous exposure. Normal floras of the human body refer to the microbial population that colonizes the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
01:15Antifungal Agents
Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
02:26Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores
Plants present a rich source of nutrients for many organisms, making it a target for herbivores and infectious agents. Plants, though lacking a proper immune system, have developed an array of constitutive and inducible defenses to fend off these attacks.
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...