Phagocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans by, and nonlytic exocytosis from, Acanthamoeba castellanii.

ABSTRACT: Cryptococcus neoformans, an encapsulated, pathogenic yeast, is endowed with a variety of virulence factors, including a polysaccharide capsule. During mammalian infection, the outcome of the interaction between C. neoformans and macrophages is central to determining the fate of the host. Previous studies have shown similarities between the interaction of C. neoformans with macrophages and with amoebae, resulting in the proposal that fungal virulence for mammals originated from selection by amoeboid predators. In this study, we investigated the interaction of C. neoformans with the soil amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii. Comparison of phagocytic efficiency of the wild type, nonencapsulated mutants, and complemented strains showed that the capsule was antiphagocytic for amoebae. Capsular enlar

SUBMITTER: Chrisman CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2937486 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature