Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Measuring Phagocytosis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia by Human Leukocytes using Flow Cytometry
09:43

Measuring Phagocytosis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia by Human Leukocytes using Flow Cytometry

Published on: December 7, 2019

7.5K

Effective Neutrophil Phagocytosis of Aspergillus fumigatus Is Mediated by Classical Pathway Complement Activation

Steven G E Braem1, Suzan H M Rooijakkers, Kok P M van Kessel

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Journal of Innate Immunity
|February 14, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Neutrophils control Aspergillus fumigatus by using complement, not direct antibody action. The classical complement pathway is key for opsonization, phagocytosis, and killing of this airborne fungal pathogen.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Aspergillus fumigatus is a significant airborne fungal pathogen causing invasive infections.
  • Neutrophils are critical for controlling A. fumigatus, with opsonization enhancing phagocytosis and killing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of complement and antibodies in neutrophil-mediated clearance of A. fumigatus.
  • To determine the primary complement initiation pathway involved in A. fumigatus recognition.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized human sera depleted of complement components.
  • Assessed complement activation on fungal surfaces (swollen conidia, germ tubes).
  • Evaluated neutrophil-mediated phagocytosis and killing of A. fumigatus.

Main Results:

  • Direct antibody-mediated phagocytosis of A. fumigatus by neutrophils was not observed.
  • Complement significantly enhances opsonization, phagocytosis, and killing of A. fumigatus.
  • The classical complement pathway is the main initiator of complement activation on A. fumigatus swollen conidia and germ tubes.

Conclusions:

  • Complement activation, initiated mainly by the classical pathway, is essential for neutrophil-mediated immunity against A. fumigatus.
  • Antibodies contribute to complement activation, facilitating innate immune recognition and clearance of this fungal pathogen.

More Related Videos

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

12.0K
Direct Observation of Phagocytosis and NET-formation by Neutrophils in Infected Lungs using 2-photon Microscopy08:50

Direct Observation of Phagocytosis and NET-formation by Neutrophils in Infected Lungs using 2-photon Microscopy

Published on: June 2, 2011

21.5K

Related Concept Videos

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
2.5K
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...
9.7K
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized...
5.7K
Phagocytosis00:41

Phagocytosis

Cells pull particles inward and engulf them in spherical vesicles in an energy-requiring process called endocytosis. Phagocytosis (“cellular eating”) is one of three major types of endocytosis. Cells use phagocytosis to take in large objects—such as other cells (or their debris), bacteria, and even viruses.
96.8K
Phagocytosis00:41

Phagocytosis

Cells pull particles inward and engulf them in spherical vesicles in an energy-requiring process called endocytosis. Phagocytosis ("cellular eating") is one of three major types of endocytosis. Cells use phagocytosis to take in large objects, such as other cells (or their debris), bacteria, and even viruses.
The objective of phagocytosis is often destruction. Cells use phagocytosis to eliminate unwelcome visitors, like pathogens (e.g., viruses and bacteria). Many immune system cells,...
9.2K
Complement System01:27

Complement System

The complement system is a group of approximately 20 plasma proteins that strengthen the body's defenses against infections through opsonization, inflammation, and cell lysis. Opsonization involves coating pathogens with complement proteins, making them more recognizable and facilitating phagocyte engulfment. Certain complement proteins induce inflammation that attracts immune cells to the site of infection. Cell lysis involves the destruction of pathogens through the formation of a...
13.2K