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Role of cell-surface molecules of Blastomyces dermatitidis in host-pathogen interactions

B S Klein1, S L Newman

  • 1Depts of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, 53792, USA. brklein@macc.wisc.edu

Trends in Microbiology
|June 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Blastomyces dermatitidis yeast adhesin (WI-1) binds host cells and influences immune interactions. Its expression changes in less virulent strains, suggesting a role in fungal clearance.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Immunology
  • Pathogen-host interactions

Background:

  • Blastomyces dermatitidis is a fungal pathogen.
  • The yeast form produces an adhesin, WI-1, with repetitive regions.
  • WI-1 interacts with host-cell receptors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of WI-1 adhesin in fungal-host interactions.
  • To understand how WI-1 expression relates to virulence and immune response.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of WI-1 adhesin structure and function.
  • Study of fungal-macrophage interactions.
  • Comparison of WI-1 expression in virulent and hypovirulent strains.

Main Results:

  • WI-1 mediates binding to host-cell receptors.
  • Adhesin and glucan modulate fungal interactions with macrophages.
  • WI-1 expression levels are altered in hypovirulent mutants.

Conclusions:

  • WI-1 adhesin is crucial for Blastomyces dermatitidis adherence.
  • Adhesin expression impacts fungal interactions with the immune system.
  • WI-1 may play a significant role in the host's clearance of the fungus.

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