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Macrophage Cholesterol Depletion and Its Effect on the Phagocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans
11:07

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Cryptococcus interactions with macrophages: evasion and manipulation of the phagosome by a fungal pathogen

Simon A Johnston1, Robin C May

  • 1Department of Infection and Immunity, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK. s.a.johnston@sheffield.ac.uk

Cellular Microbiology
|November 7, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Cryptococcus, a fungal pathogen, causes fatal infections in immunocompromised individuals. This review details its complex interactions with macrophages, including survival and immune evasion strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Immunology
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Cryptococcus is a fatal fungal pathogen, particularly dangerous for immunocompromised patients.
  • It acts as an opportunistic, facultative intracellular pathogen, interacting intricately with the host immune system, especially macrophages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the complex interactions between Cryptococcus and macrophages.
  • To highlight host manipulation processes employed by the fungus.
  • To identify areas for future research in cryptococcal pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Cryptococcus-macrophage interactions.
  • Analysis of fungal evasion and host manipulation mechanisms.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on cryptococcal pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Cryptococcus employs strategies like titan cell formation and a polysaccharide capsule to resist phagocytosis.
  • The fungus survives and proliferates within mature phagolysosomes after uptake.
  • Mechanisms of host cell lysis, transfer between macrophages, and non-lytic exit (vomocytosis) are described.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding Cryptococcus-macrophage interactions is crucial for combating cryptococcosis.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate specific host manipulation pathways.
  • Targeting these fungal strategies may lead to novel therapeutic interventions.

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