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Vomocytosis: Too Much Booze, Base, or Calcium?
Melissa Cruz-Acuña1, Noah Pacifici1, Jamal S Lewis2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA.
Abstract:
Macrophages are well known for their phagocytic activity and their role in innate immune responses. Macrophages eat non-self particles, via a variety of mechanisms, and typically break down internalized cargo into small macromolecules. However, some pathogenic agents have the ability to evade this endosomal degradation through a nonlytic exocytosis process termed vomocytosis. This phenomenon has been most often studied for Cryptococcus neoformans, a yeast that causes roughly 180,000 deaths per year, primarily in immunocompromised (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]) patients. Existing dogma purports that vomocytosis involves distinctive cellular pathways and intracellular physicochemical cues in the host cell during phagosomal maturation. Moreover, it has been observed that the immunological state of the individual and macrophage phenotype affect vomocytosis outcomes. Here we compile the current knowledge on the factors (with respect to the phagocytic cell) that promote vomocytosis of C. neoformans from macrophages.
Insights
Macrophages can expel pathogens like Cryptococcus neoformans via vomocytosis, a process influenced by the host cell
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Macrophages are key immune cells involved in phagocytosis and innate immunity.
- Pathogens like Cryptococcus neoformans can evade macrophage degradation through vomocytosis.
- Vomocytosis is a nonlytic exocytosis process where pathogens are expelled from host cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compile current knowledge on factors promoting vomocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans from macrophages.
- To understand the role of the phagocytic cell in facilitating pathogen expulsion.
Main Methods:
- Review and compilation of existing scientific literature on vomocytosis.
- Analysis of factors related to the host macrophage influencing vomocytosis outcomes.
Main Results:
- Vomocytosis is a mechanism employed by pathogens to escape host immune cells.
- Distinct cellular pathways and intracellular cues within macrophages are implicated in vomocytosis.
- Host immunological status and macrophage phenotype significantly affect vomocytosis.
Conclusions:
- Understanding macrophage-intrinsic factors is crucial for comprehending C. neoformans expulsion.
- This compilation provides insights into host-directed mechanisms against fungal pathogens.
- Further research into vomocytosis can inform strategies against infectious diseases.
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