Abstract
The fungal pathogens Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii can cause life-threatening infections in immune compromised and immune competent hosts. These pathogens enter the host via inhalation, and respiratory tract innate immune cells such as dendritic cells (DCs) are one of the first host cells they encounter. The interactions between Cryptococcus and innate immune cells play a critical role in the progression of disease in the host. This review will focus specifically on the interactions between Cryptococcus and dendritic cells (DCs), including recognition/processing by DCs, effects of immune mediators on DC recruitment and activity, and the potential for DC vaccination against cryptococcosis.
Highlights
The fungal pathogens Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii can cause lifethreatening infections in immune compromised and immune competent hosts
TLR4−/− mice produce similar levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-12p40 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) compared to littermates during cryptococcal infection, and survival rates are similar compared to wild type (WT) mice [6,8]
In another study using a murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) cell line (D1) with a WT cryptococcal strain compared to an acapsular mutant, incubation with the acapsular strain induced expression of genes involved in DC maturation, including major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II, complement component C3, IL-12, IL-2, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, CC-chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7), CC-chemokine ligand 17 (CCL17), CCL22, CCL3, CCL4, CCL7, and C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10)
Summary
Dendritic cells (DCs) are innate phagocytes in the lung, and they function as sentinels of the immune system. Due to their presence in the lung, they are one of the first cell types to encounter inhaled pathogens such as Cryptococcus. These cells can recognize, phagocytose, and degrade invading pathogens, and present antigen to naïve T cells and direct the adaptive immune response. DCs can be affected by the local cytokine mileu, and their recruitment to the site of infection often correlates with pathogen control. DCs, are associated with protective responses [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
