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08:24
Size Matters: Measurement of Capsule Diameter in Cryptococcus neoformans
Published on: February 27, 2018
14.0K
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.
Medical Mycology Journal
|November 30, 2022
Summary
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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