The Cryptococcus neoformans Titan cell is an inducible and regulated morphotype underlying pathogenesis.

ABSTRACT: Fungal cells change shape in response to environmental stimuli, and these morphogenic transitions drive pathogenesis and niche adaptation. For example, dimorphic fungi switch between yeast and hyphae in response to changing temperature. The basidiomycete Cryptococcus neoformans undergoes an unusual morphogenetic transition in the host lung from haploid yeast to large, highly polyploid cells termed Titan cells. Titan cells influence fungal interaction with host cells, including through increased drug resistance, altered cell size, and altered Pathogen Associated Molecular Pattern exposure. Despite the important role these cells play in pathogenesis, understanding the environmental stimuli that drive the morphological transition, and the molecular mechanisms underlying their unique biology,

SUBMITTER: Dambuza IM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5959070 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature