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Induction of Dormancy in Cryptococcus neoformans In Vitro: The HypNOS Protocol
Ruchi Agrawal1, Aude Sturny-Leclère1, Raffael J A de Castro1
1Department of Mycology, Translational Mycology Group, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals, Paris, France.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|May 17, 2024
Summary
Cryptococcus neoformans can enter a dormant state to survive host defenses and antifungal treatments. This study details a method to generate and study these dormant fungal cells.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Fungal Pathogenesis
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans is a major cause of mortality in HIV patients.
- This fungus can remain dormant for years, reactivating under immunosuppression.
- Persistence during antifungal therapy leads to disease recurrence, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an in vitro protocol for generating dormant Cryptococcus neoformans.
- To outline methods for characterizing these dormant fungal cells.
Main Methods:
- Development of an in vitro protocol to induce dormancy in Cryptococcus neoformans.
- Characterization of the dormant state, potentially including viable but nonculturable (VBNC) phenotypes.
Main Results:
- Successful generation of dormant Cryptococcus neoformans in vitro.
- Established methods for assessing the characteristics of dormant fungal cells.
Conclusions:
- Dormancy is a critical survival strategy for Cryptococcus neoformans.
- Understanding and characterizing dormancy is essential for combating cryptococcosis and recurrence.
