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Macrophage Cholesterol Depletion and Its Effect on the Phagocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans
Published on: December 19, 2014
Host immunity to Cryptococcus neoformans
Soma Rohatgi1, Liise-Anne Pirofski
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
Abstract:
Cryptococcosis is caused by the fungal genus Cryptococcus. Cryptococcosis, predominantly meningoencephalitis, emerged with the HIV pandemic, primarily afflicting HIV-infected patients with profound T-cell deficiency. Where in use, combination antiretroviral therapy has markedly reduced the incidence of and risk for disease, but cryptococcosis continues to afflict those without access to therapy, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. However, cryptococcosis also occurs in solid organ transplant recipients and patients with other immunodeficiencies as well as those with no known immunodeficiency. This article reviews innate and adaptive immune responses to C. neoformans, with an emphasis on recent studies on the role of B cells, natural IgM and Fc gamma receptor polymorphisms in resistance to cryptococcosis.
Insights
Cryptococcosis, a fungal infection, primarily affects HIV patients but also impacts transplant recipients and those with immunodeficiencies. This review details immune responses to Cryptococcus neoformans, highlighting B cells and natural IgM.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cryptococcosis is a serious fungal infection caused by the genus Cryptococcus.
- It predominantly manifests as meningoencephalitis, particularly in individuals with HIV and T-cell deficiency.
- While combination antiretroviral therapy has reduced incidence in HIV patients, cryptococcosis remains a threat in resource-limited settings and affects other immunocompromised individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the innate and adaptive immune responses to Cryptococcus neoformans.
- To emphasize recent findings on the role of specific immune components in resistance to cryptococcosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Cryptococcus neoformans.
- Focus on research investigating B cell function.
- Analysis of the impact of natural IgM and Fc gamma receptor polymorphisms.
Main Results:
- Innate and adaptive immunity play crucial roles in controlling Cryptococcus neoformans.
- Recent studies highlight the significance of B cells in antifungal defense.
- Natural IgM and Fc gamma receptor polymorphisms are associated with varying levels of resistance.
Conclusions:
- Understanding immune responses is key to combating cryptococcosis.
- B cells, natural IgM, and Fc gamma receptor polymorphisms are important factors in host defense against Cryptococcus.
- Further research into these areas may lead to improved therapeutic strategies.
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