Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2025

Methods to Study Lipid Alterations in Neutrophils and the Subsequent Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Published on: March 29, 2017
Role of sphingolipids in the host-pathogen interaction.
Gabriel Soares Matos1, Caroline Mota Fernandes1, Maurizio Del Poeta2
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
Fungal infections pose a growing public health threat. Research into sphingolipids, particularly glycosphingolipids, offers new avenues for discovering antifungal treatments and vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Fungal pathogens are an increasing public health concern due to their expanding range and impact on vulnerable populations.
- Understanding fungal infection mechanisms is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
- Sphingolipids play a significant role in regulating fungal pathogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the properties of sphingolipids and their role in fungal diseases.
- To highlight glycosphingolipids as promising targets for antifungal drug discovery and vaccine development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of sphingolipid research in fungal pathogenicity.
- Focus on glycosphingolipid properties and their implications in fungal infections.
Main Results:
- Sphingolipids possess key regulatory properties influencing fungal pathogenicity.
- Glycosphingolipids demonstrate potential as targets for novel antifungal interventions.
Conclusions:
- Sphingolipid-based research is vital for advancing antifungal therapies.
- Glycosphingolipids offer a promising platform for developing new antifungal drugs and vaccines.
Related Concept Videos
Biosynthesis of Lipids
Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing
Membrane Lipids
Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin are the most common phospholipids present in mammalian membranes. At physiological pH, phosphatidylserine is negatively charged, while the other three...
Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin,...

