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Automated Measurement of Cryptococcal Species Polysaccharide Capsule and Cell Body
Published on: January 11, 2018
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A role for LHC1 in higher order structure and complement binding of the Cryptococcus neoformans capsule
Yoon-Dong Park1, Soowan Shin2, John Panepinto3
1Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America.
Plos Pathogens
|May 3, 2014
Summary
A novel enzyme, lactonohydrolase 1 (LHC1), influences the structure of Cryptococcus neoformans capsules. This enzyme impacts fungal virulence and immune evasion by altering polysaccharide structure and reducing immune cell interactions.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Polysaccharide capsules are key virulence factors for pathogens like Cryptococcus neoformans.
- Understanding capsule structure is crucial for developing antifungal strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the secreted lactonohydrolase LHC1 in Cryptococcus neoformans capsule structure.
- To determine how LHC1 affects fungal virulence and immune evasion.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of capsular polysaccharide from wild-type and lhc1Δ strains using dynamic and static light scattering.
- Assessment of antibody and complement binding.
- Evaluation of phagocytosis by macrophage-like cell line J774.
- Virulence studies in a mouse model.
Main Results:
- LHC1 alters capsular polysaccharide dimensions, branching, density, and solvation.
- LHC1-dependent changes reduce antibody and complement binding.
- LHC1 affects phagocytosis by macrophages and increases fungal virulence in mice.
Conclusions:
- LHC1 plays an unusual role in determining the higher-order structure of the Cryptococcus neoformans capsule.
- This mechanism facilitates immune evasion and enhances the virulence of this fungal pathogen.
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