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How to invade a susceptible host: cellular aspects of aspergillosis

Sven Krappmann1

  • 1Institute of Microbiology - Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Wasserturmstr. 3/5, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.

Current Opinion in Microbiology
|November 7, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Aspergillus fumigatus causes various diseases, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Its virulence factors, including cell wall components and secreted toxins, enable host interaction and immune evasion.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Aspergillus spp., particularly Aspergillus fumigatus, cause diverse diseases, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
  • The mechanisms determining infection development following exposure to Aspergillus propagules are not fully understood.
  • A. fumigatus possesses evolved cellular characteristics contributing to its virulence in mammalian hosts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cellular characteristics of Aspergillus fumigatus that contribute to its virulence.
  • To understand how A. fumigatus interacts with the mammalian host and evades immune surveillance.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus cellular constituents, including conidial components, cell wall elements, secreted proteins, and extrolites.
  • Examination of host-pathogen interactions at a molecular level.

Main Results:

  • Virulence of A. fumigatus is influenced by general and specific cellular traits.
  • Conidial constituents, cell wall components, secreted proteins, and extrolites are key factors in host interaction.
  • These factors facilitate close interaction with the host environment and aid in evading immune responses.

Conclusions:

  • Specific cellular components of A. fumigatus play a critical role in its pathogenicity.
  • Understanding these virulence factors is crucial for developing strategies against Aspergillus-related diseases in susceptible populations.

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