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Macrophage Cholesterol Depletion and Its Effect on the Phagocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans
Published on: December 19, 2014
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Polystyrene nanoparticles reduce the Cryptococcus neoformans virulence via induction of mitochondrial dysfunction
Dongnan Zheng1, Yifan Zhou1, Bin Xu2
1Nantong Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Institute for Applied Research in Public Health, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|November 21, 2025
Summary
Polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) enhance survival against Cryptococcus neoformans by inhibiting fungal capsule formation and boosting immune response. This study reveals PS-NPs
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen whose capsule is a key virulence factor.
- The fungal capsule can suppress host antifungal immune responses by upregulating ARG1.
- Nanoplastics may impact fungal pathogens and host-pathogen interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) on C. neoformans infection in a mouse model.
- To determine how PS-NPs influence C. neoformans mitochondrial function and virulence.
- To assess the impact of PS-NPs on host antifungal immunity.
Main Methods:
- Mouse models of C. neoformans infection were treated with PS-NPs via oropharyngeal aspiration.
- Fungal burden assays and survival studies were conducted.
- C. neoformans mitochondrial function was assessed by measuring ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP levels. RNA-Seq and metabolomics were used to analyze fungal RNA and metabolic profiles.
Main Results:
- PS-NPs significantly prolonged mouse survival and reduced ARG1 mRNA expression, enhancing T-cell-mediated immunity.
- PS-NPs inhibited C. neoformans capsule formation by 40-70%.
- PS-NPs induced mitochondrial dysfunction in C. neoformans, increasing ROS and altering mitochondrial transcription and metabolism.
Conclusions:
- PS-NPs inhibit C. neoformans capsule formation, potentially via induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
- PS-NPs modulate fungal virulence and host-pathogen interactions.
- Nanoplastics represent a novel factor influencing fungal pathogenesis and antifungal immunity.
