Human defenses against Cryptococcus neoformans: An update |
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Authors: | Brummer Elmer |
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Institution: | (1) Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, California Institute for Medical Research, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA, and;(2) Present address: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA |
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Abstract: | Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen, especially in AIDS patients, and is found world-wide.
On the other hand, Cryptococcus neoformans var. gatti (CN-g) is restricted to an association with two species of Eucalyptus
trees. Alveolar macrophages (AM) constitute the first line of defense to Cryptococcus neoformans and offers some resistance.
The inflammatory response to Cryptococcus neoformans with an influx of neutrophils and monocytes affords a second line of
defense. Secretion of proinflammatory monokines by human AM is now being defined. The inflammatory phagocytes are efficient
in killing Cryptococcus neoformans and offer strong resistance. T and B cell responses to infection, a third line of defense,
results in production of lymphokines (IFNg, etc.) and specific antibodies. Enhancement of lymphocyte responses by IL-12 and
IL-18 to Cryptococcus neoformans infection appears to be critical. Susceptibility of AIDS patients to Cryptococcus neoformans
is associated with low CD4+ T cell counts and likely reduced efficacy of the second line of defense.
This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. |
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Keywords: | cryptococcus human defenses update |
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