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Updated: Jun 15, 2025
Live-cell Video Microscopy of Fungal Pathogen Phagocytosis
Published on: January 9, 2013
Manipulation of host phagocytosis by fungal pathogens and therapeutic opportunities
Lei-Jie Jia1,2, Katherine González3, Thomas Orasch4
1Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany. leijie.jia@leibniz-hki.de.
Abstract:
An important host defence mechanism against pathogens is intracellular killing, which is achieved through phagocytosis, a cellular process for engulfing and neutralizing extracellular particles. Phagocytosis results in the formation of matured phagolysosomes, which are specialized compartments that provide a hostile environment and are considered the end point of the degradative pathway. However, all fungal pathogens studied to date have developed strategies to manipulate phagosomal function directly and also indirectly by redirecting phagosomes from the degradative pathway to a non-degradative pathway with the expulsion and even transfer of pathogens between cells. Here, using the major human fungal pathogens Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Histoplasma capsulatum as examples, we discuss the processes involved in host phagosome-fungal pathogen interactions, with a focus on fungal evasion strategies. We also discuss recent approaches to targeting intraphagosomal pathogens, including the redirection of phagosomes towards degradative pathways for fungal pathogen eradication.
Insights
Fungal pathogens evade host defenses by manipulating phagosomes, specialized compartments for killing invaders. New strategies aim to redirect these phagosomes for effective fungal eradication.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Intracellular killing via phagocytosis is a key host defense mechanism against pathogens.
- Phagocytosis leads to phagolysosome formation, a hostile environment for pathogen degradation.
- Fungal pathogens have evolved strategies to evade phagosomal killing mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss host phagosome-fungal pathogen interactions.
- To highlight fungal evasion strategies within phagosomes.
- To review novel approaches for targeting intracellular fungal pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Review of host-pathogen interactions focusing on phagosome manipulation.
- Analysis of evasion strategies employed by Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Histoplasma capsulatum.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting intraphagosomal fungal pathogens.
Main Results:
- Fungal pathogens actively manipulate phagosome maturation and function.
- Pathogens redirect phagosomes from degradative to non-degradative pathways.
- Fungal pathogens can be expelled or transferred between host cells via manipulated phagosomes.
Conclusions:
- Understanding fungal manipulation of phagosomes is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Targeting phagosome-host-pathogen interactions offers promising avenues for antifungal therapies.
- Redirecting phagosomes towards degradative pathways is a key strategy for eradicating intracellular fungal pathogens.
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