Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026
Generation of Monoclonal Antibodies Against Natural Products
Published on: April 6, 2019
Antibody immunity and natural resistance to cryptococcosis
N Trevijano-Contador1, L Pirofski1,2
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
Abstract:
The encapsulated fungus Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) causes cryptococcal meningitis (CM). There are ~180,000 deaths per year worldwide attributed to CM, which is the most common cause of meningitis in adults with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV infection with advanced immunodeficiency is the most important predisposing risk factor for CM, highlighting the critical role that T cell mediated immunity plays in disease prevention. Numerous studies in the past decade demonstrate that antibody immunity also plays a role in resistance to CM, although its role has taken more time to establish. In mice, B cells reduce early dissemination from lungs to brain, and naïve mouse IgM can enhance fungal containment in the lungs. In concert with these findings, human studies show that patients with CM have lower IgM memory B cell levels and/or different serological profiles than controls. In this article, we review recent data on the role that B cells and/or antibody-based immunity play in host defense against Cn and natural resistance to CM.
Insights
Antibody immunity, particularly B cells, plays a crucial role in defending against Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) and preventing cryptococcal meningitis (CM). Lower IgM memory B cell levels are observed in patients with CM.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) causes cryptococcal meningitis (CM), a leading cause of death in HIV-infected adults, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Advanced HIV infection and immunodeficiency are primary risk factors for CM, underscoring the importance of T cell-mediated immunity.
- Emerging evidence highlights the significant, though historically underestimated, role of antibody immunity in host defense against Cn.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize recent findings on the contribution of B cells and antibody-based immunity to host defense against Cn.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which antibody immunity confers resistance to cryptococcal meningitis.
- To highlight the clinical relevance of B cell populations and serological profiles in patients with CM.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature and studies.
- Analysis of data from murine models of Cn infection.
- Examination of human clinical and serological data from patients with CM and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- B cells in mice limit early dissemination of Cn from lungs to the brain.
- Naïve IgM in mice aids in fungal containment within the lungs.
- Human studies indicate reduced IgM memory B cell levels and altered serological profiles in individuals with CM compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Both T cell and B cell-mediated immunity are critical for preventing cryptococcal meningitis.
- Antibody immunity, including IgM, plays a vital role in controlling Cn infection and preventing disease progression.
- Understanding the role of B cells and antibody responses offers potential targets for novel therapeutic and prophylactic strategies against CM.
Related Concept Videos
01:38What is the Immune System?
01:10Antibody Structure
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
01:32What is Natural Selection?
01:36Humoral Immune Responses
01:10Nature and Nurture
01:22Resistivity