Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 1, 2026

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

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

Published on: December 19, 2014

12.2K

Macrophage Cryptococcus interactions: an update.

Michael K Mansour1, Jennifer L Reedy1, Jenny M Tam1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts ; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Current Fungal Infection Reports
|March 25, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Cryptococcus fungi cause deadly infections, often starting in the lungs. This review explores how these fungi interact with macrophages, key immune cells, influencing survival and virulence.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Cryptococcus species are significant fungal pathogens responsible for high mortality rates.
  • Infections typically begin via the pulmonary route and can disseminate, causing severe invasive diseases like meningoencephalitis.
  • Macrophages are the primary immune cells interacting with Cryptococcus during infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the interaction between Cryptococcus and macrophages.
  • To highlight emerging theories on Cryptococcus microevolution within macrophages.
  • To identify new research directions in host-pathogen interactions.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article, synthesizing existing research.
  • Focuses on analyzing current literature regarding Cryptococcus-macrophage interactions.
  • Examines the mechanisms of Cryptococcus virulence and host immune evasion.

Main Results:

  • Cryptococcus employs virulence factors and host machinery to manipulate macrophage states.
  • Macrophage activation states can become permissive to intracellular Cryptococcus survival and replication.
  • Intracellular microevolution of Cryptococcus within macrophages is linked to host survival and virulence.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding Cryptococcus-macrophage interactions is crucial for combating cryptococcosis.
  • Further research into host manipulation by Cryptococcus offers potential therapeutic targets.
  • Exploring Cryptococcus microevolution within macrophages may reveal novel insights into virulence.
Keywords:
Cryptococcuscarbohydratefungiglycosylationinnate immunitymacrophagephagosome

More Related Videos

Visualizing Non-lytic Exocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans from Macrophages Using Digital Light Microscopy10:02

Visualizing Non-lytic Exocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans from Macrophages Using Digital Light Microscopy

Published on: October 21, 2014

10.5K
Assessing Anti-fungal Activity of Isolated Alveolar Macrophages by Confocal Microscopy09:04

Assessing Anti-fungal Activity of Isolated Alveolar Macrophages by Confocal Microscopy

Published on: July 9, 2014

10.7K

Related Concept Videos

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes01:25

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes

Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
7.2K
Microbial Interactions: Predation01:28

Microbial Interactions: Predation

Microbial predation refers to the process by which one microorganism kills and consumes another to obtain nutrients and energy. It encompasses both bacterial and protozoan predators. This interaction plays a crucial role in shaping microbial communities and regulating nutrient cycling.Bacterial Predators: Epibiotic vs. EndobioticBacterial predators are classified based on their mode of attack as either epibiotic or endobiotic. Epibiotic predators, such as Vampirococcus, attach to the surface of...
65
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens01:31

Defense 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...
3.0K
Microbial Interactions: Parasitism01:22

Microbial Interactions: Parasitism

Parasitism is a form of microbial interaction in which parasitic microbes exploit a host organism for nutrients and shelter, often at the host's expense. Unlike mutualistic relationships, where both organisms benefit, parasitism benefits only the parasite and harms the host.Classification of ParasitesMicrobial parasites are broadly classified based on their location relative to the host.Ectoparasites remain on the host’s surface, such as the skin or outer tissues, drawing nutrients...
108