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Phagocytosis and intracellular fate of Sporothrix schenckii

K M Cunningham, G S Bulmer, E R Rhoades

    The Journal of Infectious Diseases
    |November 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    Human immune cells called polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) effectively kill the fungus Sporothrix schenckii in lab tests. This suggests PMNLs are crucial for fighting S. schenckii infections in the body.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Mycology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Sporothrix schenckii is a fungus that causes sporotrichosis.
    • The host immune response to S. schenckii is not fully understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the role of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) in combating Sporothrix schenckii infections.
    • To determine the mechanisms by which PMNLs interact with and eliminate S. schenckii yeast cells.

    Main Methods:

    • In vitro experiments using human PMNLs and yeast-phase cells of S. schenckii.
    • Assessment of phagocytosis and killing of S. schenckii by PMNLs in the presence of serum.
    • Evaluation of the fungicidal activity of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), potassium iodide (KI), and myeloperoxidase (MPO).

    Main Results:

    • Human PMNLs demonstrated the ability to phagocytize and kill yeast-phase S. schenckii in vitro when supplemented with unheated serum.
    • A combination of H2O2, KI, and human PMNL myeloperoxidase proved lethal to yeast-phase S. schenckii.
    • These findings highlight a key microbicidal mechanism involving PMNLs.

    Conclusions:

    • Human PMNLs play a significant role in the host's defense against Sporothrix schenckii.
    • The myeloperoxidase system of PMNLs contributes to the elimination of S. schenckii.
    • Further research into PMNL function may reveal therapeutic targets for sporotrichosis.

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