Cryptococcus neoformans Infection Induces IL-17 Production by Promoting STAT3 Phosphorylation in CD4⁺ T Cells.

ABSTRACT: Cryptococcus neoformans infection in the central nervous system is a severe infectious disease with poor outcomes and high mortality. It has been estimated that there are 220,000 new cases each year. Over 90% of C. neoformans meningitis cases were diagnosed in AIDS patients with CD4⁺ T cell count <100 cells/μl; however, the mechanism of cryptococcal meningitis in patients with normal immune functions remains unclear. IL-17 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine and plays an important role in anti-fungal immunity. Here we report that significantly high levels of IL-17 were predominantly detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with either AIDS- or non-AIDS-associated C. neoformans meningitis but not in patients with tuberculous meningitis or non-neurosyphilis.

SUBMITTER: Guo X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9197778 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature