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Biology and function of exo-polysaccharides from human fungal pathogens

Krystal Y Chung1, Jessica C S Brown1

  • 1Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology Department, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.

Current Clinical Microbiology Reports
|October 12, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Environmental fungi like Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus use excreted sugars, glucuronylxylomannan (GXM) and galactosaminogalactan (GAG), to survive and cause infections. Understanding these fungal polysaccharides is key for new treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Environmental fungi, including Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus, adapt to diverse environments during infection.
  • Fungi modify cell surfaces and secreted molecules to interact with their surroundings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • This review focuses on fungal exo-polysaccharides, specifically glucuronylxylomannan (GXM) from C. neoformans and galactosaminogalactan (GAG) from A. fumigatus.
  • The study examines the synthesis, export, immunomodulatory functions, and role in biofilm formation of GXM and GAG.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on fungal exo-polysaccharides.
  • Analysis of GXM and GAG synthesis and export mechanisms.
  • Review of research on the immunomodulatory properties and biofilm formation roles of GXM and GAG.

Main Results:

  • Glucuronylxylomannan (GXM) and galactosaminogalactan (GAG) are major exo-polysaccharides produced by C. neoformans and A. fumigatus, respectively.
  • These polysaccharides are found in high concentrations in growth media and during infections.
  • GXM and GAG play significant roles in fungal survival, immune evasion, and biofilm development.

Conclusions:

  • GXM and GAG are critical fungal virulence factors involved in pathogenesis.
  • Further research into these exo-polysaccharides could lead to novel therapeutic strategies against fungal infections.
  • Outstanding questions regarding GXM and GAG synthesis, export, and function require further investigation.

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