Aimless mutants of Cryptococcus neoformans: Failure to disseminate

Publication date: October 2012 Source:Fungal Biology Reviews, Volume 26, Issues 2–3 Author(s): E.J. Griffiths , M. Kretschmer , J.W. Kronstad The pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans exhibits a striking propensity to cause central nervous system (CNS) disease in people with HIV/AIDS. Given that cryptococcal infections are generally initiated by pulmonary colonization, dissemination requires that the fungus withstand phagocytic killing, cross the alveolar–capillary interface in the lung, survive in the circulatory system and breach the blood–brain barrier. We know little about the molecular mechanisms underlying dissemination, but there is a rapidly growing list of mutants that fail to cause CNS disease. These mutants reveal a remarkable diversity of functions and therefore illustrate the complexity of the cryptococcal–host interaction. The challenge now is to extend the analysis of these mutants to acquire a detailed understanding of each step in dissemination. Highlights ► C. neoformans causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis in people with HIV/AIDS. ► Dissemination of the fungus from the lung to the brain is poorly understood. ► A variety of diverse functions influence virulence and the dissemination process. ► Animal models and in vitro assays are critical for evaluating dissemination factors. ► Cell wall melanin and specific enzymes are key factors in egress from the lung.

Source: Fungal Biology Reviews - October 13, 2014 Category: Biology Source Type: research