A unique biofilm in human deep mycoses: fungal amyloid is bound by host serum amyloid P component.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

We have demonstrated the presence of Candida cell surface amyloids that are important in aggregation of fungi and adherence to tissue. Fungal amyloid was present in invasive human candidal infections and host serum amyloid P component (SAP) bound to the fungal amyloid. SAP is a protease-resistant glycoprotein that binds avidly to amyloid and interferes with host defence, especially against bacterial pathogens for which neutrophils are important. In this study, we investigated whether biofilm of fungal amyloid and SAP was a feature of other disseminated fungal infections.

Methods

Tissue specimens from 15 autopsies were systematically evaluated with multiple histochemical stains including thioflavin T and Congo red (dyes that stain amyloid), as wel

SUBMITTER: Garcia-Sherman MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4563996 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature