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Size Matters: Measurement of Capsule Diameter in Cryptococcus neoformans
Published on: February 27, 2018
PAMPs and Host Immune Response in Cryptococcal Infection
Ko Sato1,2, Kazuyoshi Kawakami1,2
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Mycology and Immunology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine.
Abstract:
Cryptococcus spp. are yeast-type opportunistic fungal pathogens with thick polysaccharide capsules that infect the lungs via airborne routes and frequently cause fatal meningoencephalitis. The cellular immune mechanism plays a central role in controlling cryptococcal infection and is critically regulated by Th1-Th2 immune balance. Pathogens that have invaded the host are recognized by innate immune cells, and appropriate immune responses are initiated. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) are recognized by macrophages and dendritic cells via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which trigger the inflammatory responses as the first line of host defense. Some PRRs, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs), and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), are involved in the recognition of cryptococcal components, such as glucuronoxylomannan (GXM), mannoproteins (MPs), and nucleic acids. However, some cryptococcal cell components suppress the host immune response. This review will highlight the cryptococcal components involved in host immune responses. Future research is expected to promote the understanding of the mechanism of host immune response to Cryptococcus, which will lead to the development of new vaccines and therapies for cryptococcal infection.
Insights
Cryptococcus fungi cause lung infections and fatal meningitis. This review details fungal components that trigger or suppress host immune responses, aiding new vaccine and therapy development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cryptococcus spp. are opportunistic fungal pathogens causing lung infections and meningoencephalitis.
- Cellular immunity, particularly the Th1-Th2 balance, is crucial for controlling Cryptococcus.
- Innate immune cells recognize fungal components via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), initiating host defense.
Approach:
- This review highlights key cryptococcal components interacting with host immune systems.
- It examines pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) recognized by PRRs like Toll-like receptors (TLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs), and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs).
- The review also discusses fungal components that suppress host immune responses.
Key Points:
- Glucuronoxylomannan (GXM), mannoproteins (MPs), and nucleic acids are recognized by PRRs.
- Recognition triggers inflammatory responses, a critical first line of defense.
- Certain cryptococcal components can evade or suppress host immunity.
Conclusions:
- Understanding cryptococcal components' roles in immune modulation is vital.
- Further research will elucidate host immune mechanisms against Cryptococcus.
- This knowledge is essential for developing novel vaccines and therapies against cryptococcal infections.
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