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Updated: Jul 26, 2026

Live Imaging of Antifungal Activity by Human Primary Neutrophils and Monocytes in Response to A. fumigatus
12:29

Live Imaging of Antifungal Activity by Human Primary Neutrophils and Monocytes in Response to A. fumigatus

Published on: April 19, 2017

Human platelets damage Aspergillus fumigatus hyphae and may supplement killing by neutrophils

L Christin1, D R Wysong, T Meshulam

  • 1Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, and Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts 02118, USA.

Infection and Immunity
|March 6, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Platelets combat invasive aspergillosis by attaching to and damaging Aspergillus fumigatus hyphae. Optimal platelet activation against this fungal infection requires whole plasma opsonization.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Mycology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Neutropenia is a key risk factor for invasive aspergillosis, often co-occurring with thrombocytopenia.
  • Platelets, similar to neutrophils, interact with the invasive hyphal form of Aspergillus fumigatus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of platelets in host defense against invasive aspergillosis.
  • To determine the mechanism of platelet interaction and activation with Aspergillus fumigatus.

Main Methods:

  • Scanning laser confocal microscopy to visualize platelet-hyphae attachment and fungal damage.
  • Analysis of surface antigen CD63 expression and platelet degranulation markers to confirm activation.
  • Testing the requirement of plasma components for optimal platelet activation.

Main Results:

  • Platelets attach to Aspergillus fumigatus hyphae, causing damage and releasing glycoproteins.
  • Platelet activation, indicated by CD63 expression and degranulation, occurs upon attachment.
  • Optimal platelet activation necessitates opsonization of hyphae with fresh or heat-inactivated whole plasma, an effect not replicated by serum or fibrinogen alone.

Conclusions:

  • Platelets, activated by whole plasma, demonstrate potential in defending against invasive aspergillosis.
  • This interaction highlights a novel aspect of innate immunity against fungal pathogens.

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