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Aspergillus fumigatus DHN-Melanin
Georgios Chamilos1,2, Agostinho Carvalho3,4
1Department of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. hamilos@imbb.forth.gr.
Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
|May 10, 2020
Summary
Dihydroxynaphthalene melanin (DHN-melanin) on Aspergillus fumigatus shields the fungus from immune cells. This melanin inhibits phagocytosis and is recognized by host receptors, impacting fungal pathogenicity.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Pathogen-Host Interactions
Background:
- Dihydroxynaphthalene melanin (DHN-melanin) is crucial for Aspergillus fumigatus pathogenicity.
- Its role in immune evasion and host interaction is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of DHN-melanin's interaction with the host immune system.
- To understand how DHN-melanin contributes to Aspergillus fumigatus virulence.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of DHN-melanin's role in immune concealment.
- Investigation of calcium sequestration by DHN-melanin.
- Analysis of host receptor interactions with DHN-melanin.
Main Results:
- DHN-melanin conceals immunostimulatory polysaccharides and inhibits phagosome maturation.
- Calcium sequestration by DHN-melanin impairs phagocyte killing of conidia.
- DHN-melanin binds to host C-type lectin receptor (MelLeC) and soluble pattern recognition receptors, activating platelets and enhancing macrophage opsonophagocytosis.
Conclusions:
- DHN-melanin employs multiple strategies to evade host immunity, including immune concealment and inhibition of host effector pathways.
- Understanding these interactions is key to developing strategies against Aspergillus fumigatus infections.
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