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Murine Models of Cryptococcus Infection
Adithap Hansakon1, Pornpimon Angkasekwinai2
1Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand.
Abstract:
Cryptococcus is recognized as one of the emerging fungal pathogens that have major impact on diverse populations worldwide. Because of the high mortality rate and limited antifungal therapy options, there is an urgent need to understand the impact of dynamic processes between fungal pathogens and hosts that influence cryptococcal pathogenesis and disease outcomes. With known common limitations in human studies, experimental murine cryptococcosis models that can recapitulate human disease provide a valuable tool for studying fungal virulence and the host interaction, leading to development of better treatment strategies. Infection with Cryptococcus in mice via intranasal inhalation is mostly used because it is noninvasive and considered to be the most common mode of infection, strongly correlating with cryptococcal disease in humans. The protocols described in this article provide the procedures of establishing a murine model of Cryptococcus infection by intranasal inhalation and assessing the host immune response and disease progression during Cryptococcus infection. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Murine model of pulmonary cryptococcal infection via intranasal inhalation Basic Protocol 2: Assessment of the pulmonary immune response during Cryptococcus infection Support Protocol: Evaluation of pulmonary gene expression by real-time PCR Basic Protocol 3: Enumeration of survival rate and organ fungal burden.
Insights
This study details a murine model for cryptococcal infection, crucial for understanding host-pathogen dynamics. The model aids in assessing immune responses and disease progression for developing new antifungal therapies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Cryptococcus is an emerging fungal pathogen with high mortality and limited treatment options.
- Understanding host-pathogen interactions is vital for cryptococcal disease management.
- Murine models offer a valuable platform to study cryptococcal pathogenesis, overcoming limitations of human studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate a murine model of pulmonary cryptococcal infection via intranasal inhalation.
- To provide detailed protocols for assessing host immune response and disease progression.
- To facilitate research into fungal virulence and host-pathogen dynamics for improved therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Establishing a murine model of pulmonary cryptococcal infection through intranasal inhalation.
- Assessing the pulmonary immune response, including gene expression via real-time PCR.
- Enumerating survival rates and quantifying fungal burden in organs.
Main Results:
- The described protocols enable the establishment of a reproducible murine model for cryptococcal infection.
- The model allows for comprehensive assessment of immune responses and disease progression.
- This methodology supports the evaluation of fungal virulence and host-pathogen interactions.
Conclusions:
- The intranasal inhalation murine model is a valuable tool for studying Cryptococcus infection and pathogenesis.
- This model system is essential for developing effective antifungal therapies and treatment strategies.
- Further research using this model can elucidate critical aspects of cryptococcal disease outcomes.
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