Elucidating the immunological function of the Cryptococcus neoformans capsule
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Updated: May 8, 2026

Automated Measurement of Cryptococcal Species Polysaccharide Capsule and Cell Body
Published on: January 11, 2018
Anna Vecchiarelli1, Eva Pericolini, Elena Gabrielli
1Department of Experimental Medicine, Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06132, Italy.
Abstract:
The encapsulated fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans represents a significant agent of life-threatening infections in immunocompromised subjects. A unique characteristic of Cryptococcus species is the presence of a polysaccharide capsule, which is essential for virulence and endows Cryptococcus with potent immunoregulatory properties. This review provides an overview of the immunological properties of the principal components of C. neoformans capsule.
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