Abstract
Phialophora verrucosa (P. verrucosa) is a pathogen that can cause chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis. Recent evidence suggests that neutrophils can produce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that can protect against invasive pathogens. As such, we herein explored the in vitro functional importance of P. verrucosa-induced NET formation. By assessing the co-localization of neutrophil elastase and DNA, we were able to confirm the formation of classical NETs entrapping P. verrucosa specimens. Sytox Green was then used to stain these NETs following neutrophil infection with P. verrucosa in order to quantify the formation of these extracellular structures. NET formation was induced upon neutrophil exposure to both live, UV-inactivated, and dead P. verrucosa fungi. The ability of these NETs to kill fungal hyphae and conidia was demonstrated through MTT and pouring plate assays, respectively. Overall, our results confirmed that P. verrucosa was able to trigger the production of NETs, suggesting that these extracellular structures may represent an important innate immune effector mechanism controlling physiological responses to P. verrucosa infection, thereby aiding in pathogen control during the acute phases of infection.
Highlights
Phialophora verrucosa (P. verrucosa) is a species of dematiaceous fungi that is often found in soil, wood, and decomposing vegetation [1]
Extended exposure to opsonized conidia resulted in more robust neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation than did non-opsonized conidia exposure, in both cases the production was less than that observed in response to PMA stimulation
These results indicated that P. verrucosa was able to induce NET generation by human Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), with opsonization of these fungi enhancing such antimicrobial structure formation
Summary
Phialophora verrucosa (P. verrucosa) is a species of dematiaceous fungi that is often found in soil, wood, and decomposing vegetation [1]. Infection with this fungus can cause chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis, with severe P. verrucosa infections most often occurring in immunosuppressed individuals [1, 2]. Patients suffering from these infections generally exhibit a chronic disease with a prolonged, refractory course that adversely affects their quality of life and can potentially result in mortality [3]. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are circulating phagocytic cells in humans, wherein they function as short-lived effectors cells that can rapidly respond to invasive microorganisms [4], neutralizing them via phagocytosis, respiratory burst activity, and the release of cytotoxic compounds and structures [4, 5]. We have previously demonstrated that PMNs can readily phagocytose and thereby kill
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
