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Updated: Dec 12, 2025
Live-cell Video Microscopy of Fungal Pathogen Phagocytosis
Published on: January 9, 2013
Peptidorhamnomannan from Lomentospora prolificans modulates the inflammatory response in macrophages infected with
Mariana Ingrid Dutra da Silva Xisto1, Suelen S Santos2, Luana Rossato2
1Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.
Background:
Peptidorhamnomannan is a glycoconjugate that consists of a peptide chain substituted by O- and N-linked glycans, present on the cell surface of Lomentospora prolificans, a saprophytic fungus which is widely distributed in regions with temperate climates. O-linked oligosaccharides from peptidorhamnomannan isolated from Lomentospora prolificans conidia are recognized by macrophages mediating macrophage - conidia interaction. In this work, peptidorhamnomannan was isolated from L. prolificans mycelium cell wall and its role in macrophage - Candida albicans interaction was evaluated.
Results:
Purified peptidorhamnomannan inhibits the reactivity of rabbit immune sera to mycelial and conidia forms of L. prolificans, indicating that this glycoconjugate is exposed on the fungal surface and can mediate interaction with host immune cells. We demonstrated that peptidorhamnomannan leads to TNF-α production in J774 macrophages for 1, 2 and 3 h of incubation, suggesting that this glycoconjugate may have a beneficial role in the response to fungal infections. In order to confirm this possibility, the effect of peptidorhamnomannan on the macrophage - C. albicans interaction was evaluated. Macrophages treated with peptidorhamnomannan led to a lower fungal survival, suggesting that peptidorhamnomannan induces an increased fungicidal activity in macrophages. Furthermore, TNF-α levels were measured in supernatants after macrophage - C. albicans interaction for 1, 2 and 3 h. Peptidorhamnomannan treatment led to a higher TNF-α production at the beginning of the interaction. However, the release of TNF-α was not maintained after 1 h of incubation. Besides, peptidorhamnomannan did not show any inhibitory or fungicidal effect in C. albicans when used at 100 μg/ml but it was able to kill C. albicans at a concentration of 400 μg/ml.
Conclusion:
We suggest that peptidorhamnomannan acts as a molecular pattern on the invading pathogen, promotes TNF-α production and, thus, increases macrophage fungicidal activity against Candida albicans.
Insights
Peptidorhamnomannan from Lomentospora prolificans enhances macrophage activity against Candida albicans by increasing TNF-α production. This fungal glycoconjugate shows potential in boosting the immune response to fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Glycobiology
Background:
- Peptidorhamnomannan is a cell surface glycoconjugate of Lomentospora prolificans.
- O-linked oligosaccharides of peptidorhamnomannan mediate macrophage-conidia interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate peptidorhamnomannan from L. prolificans mycelium.
- To evaluate its role in macrophage interaction with Candida albicans.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of peptidorhamnomannan from L. prolificans mycelium.
- Incubation of macrophages with peptidorhamnomannan and C. albicans.
- Measurement of TNF-α production and fungal survival.
Main Results:
- Peptidorhamnomannan induced TNF-α production in macrophages.
- Macrophages treated with peptidorhamnomannan showed increased fungicidal activity against C. albicans.
- Peptidorhamnomannan killed C. albicans at 400 μg/ml.
Conclusions:
- Peptidorhamnomannan acts as a molecular pattern promoting TNF-α production.
- It enhances macrophage fungicidal activity against Candida albicans.
