The Cryptococcus neoformans capsule: a sword and a shield.
Journal Article (Journal Article;Review)
The human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans is characterized by its ability to induce a distinct polysaccharide capsule in response to a number of host-specific environmental stimuli. The induction of capsule is a complex biological process encompassing regulation at multiple steps, including the biosynthesis, transport, and maintenance of the polysaccharide at the cell surface. By precisely regulating the composition of its cell surface and secreted polysaccharides, C. neoformans has developed intricate ways to establish chronic infection and dormancy in the human host. The plasticity of the capsule structure in response to various host conditions also underscores the complex relationship between host and parasite. Much of this precise regulation of capsule is achieved through the transcriptional responses of multiple conserved signaling pathways that have been coopted to regulate this C. neoformans-specific virulence-associated phenotype. This review focuses on specific host stimuli that trigger the activation of the signal transduction cascades and on the downstream transcriptional responses that are required for robust encapsulation around the cell.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- O'Meara, TR; Alspaugh, JA
Published Date
- July 2012
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 25 / 3
Start / End Page
- 387 - 408
PubMed ID
- 22763631
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC3416491
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1098-6618
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1128/CMR.00001-12
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States