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Updated: Feb 7, 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

7.4K

Human MAIT cells are rapidly activated by Aspergillus spp. in an APC-dependent manner

Susanne Jahreis1,2, Sarah Böttcher2, Susann Hartung1,2

  • 1Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Hematology and Oncology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.

European Journal of Immunology
|July 31, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Mucosal associated invariant T cells (MAIT cells) are activated by Aspergillus moulds, a finding not previously described. This immune response involves T cell activation and suggests MAIT cells as a new target for antifungal defense.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T cells known to respond to bacteria and viruses.
  • Activation of MAIT cells by fungi, particularly Aspergillus species, is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the activation of MAIT cells by common human pathogenic Aspergillus species.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying MAIT cell activation by fungal conidia.

Main Methods:

  • Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with Aspergillus conidia.
  • MAIT cell activation was assessed by measuring CD69 upregulation, CD107a expression, and intracellular cytolytic protein levels.
  • Antigen-presenting cell (APC) dependency and T cell receptor (TCR) engagement via MR1 were investigated.

Main Results:

  • MAIT cells, unlike conventional T cells, showed rapid CD69 upregulation upon stimulation with Aspergillus conidia.
  • MAIT cell activation involved degranulation (CD107a expression) and was dependent on APCs and cell-cell contact.
  • Activation required riboflavin metabolite presentation and TCR engagement through the MR1 molecule.

Conclusions:

  • MAIT cells are activated by Aspergillus conidia in a TCR-dependent manner mediated by APCs.
  • This study reveals a novel role for MAIT cells in antifungal immunity.
  • MAIT cells represent a potential new target for therapeutic strategies against Aspergillus infections.
Keywords:
APCAspergillus fumigatusMAIT cellsMR1Mould

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