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

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Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Inhibit Aspergillus fumigatus Germination of Extracellular Conidia via FleA

Nicolas Richard1, Léa Marti1, Annabelle Varrot2

  • 1Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine Paris, Paris, France.

Scientific Reports
|October 26, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Bronchial epithelial cells prevent Aspergillus fumigatus infection by inhibiting fungal conidia germination. This interaction involves host phosphoinositide 3-kinase and fungal lectin FleA, reducing virulence and preventing tissue invasion.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Cell Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen causing respiratory diseases, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Fungal conidia are the infectious propagules that can reach the lower respiratory tract.
  • Understanding host-pathogen interactions is crucial for managing fungal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interaction between Aspergillus fumigatus conidia and bronchial epithelial cells.
  • To characterize the mechanisms by which bronchial epithelial cells affect conidial germination.
  • To identify host and fungal factors involved in this interaction.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the BEAS-2B cell line and primary human bronchial epithelial cells.
  • Studied conidial germination of A. fumigatus laboratory and clinical strains using microscopic observation.
  • Quantified fungal load via galactomannan measurements.
  • Investigated the role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway and fungal lectin FleA.

Main Results:

  • Contact between bronchial epithelial cells and A. fumigatus conidia inhibited conidial germination.
  • This fungistatic effect was independent of soluble factors or epithelial cell internalization.
  • The inhibition involved the host phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway and the fungal lectin FleA.
  • Extracellular conidial germination inhibition prevents fungal filament formation and subsequent tissue invasion.

Conclusions:

  • Bronchial epithelial cells play a protective role by attenuating A. fumigatus virulence.
  • The interaction inhibits conidial germination, a critical step for fungal pathogenesis.
  • This study elucidates a novel host-pathogen interaction mechanism involving specific signaling pathways and fungal molecules.

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