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Brown JC, Ballou ER. Is Cryptococcus neoformans a pleomorphic fungus? Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 82:102539. [PMID: 39260180 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Improved understanding of the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, classically described as a basidiomycete budding yeast, has revealed new infection-relevant single cell morphologies in vivo and in vitro. Here, we ask whether these morphologies constitute true morphotypes, requiring updated classification of C. neoformans as a pleomorphic fungus. We profile recent discoveries of C. neoformans seed cells and titan cells and provide a framework for determining whether these and other recently described single-cell morphologies constitute true morphotypes. We demonstrate that multiple C. neoformans single-cell morphologies are transcriptionally distinct, stable, heritable, and associated with active growth and therefore should be considered true morphotypes in line with the classification in other well-studied fungi. We conclude that C. neoformans is a pleomorphic fungus with an important capacity for morphotype switching that underpins pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Cs Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
| | - Elizabeth R Ballou
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
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Jung KW, Lee SH, Lee KT, Bahn YS. Sensing and responding to host-derived stress signals: lessons from fungal meningitis pathogen. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 80:102514. [PMID: 39024914 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The sophisticated ability of living organisms to sense and respond to external stimuli is critical for survival. This is particularly true for fungal pathogens, where the capacity to adapt and proliferate within a host is essential. To this end, signaling pathways, whether evolutionarily conserved or unique, have been refined through interactions with the host. Cryptococcus neoformans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, is responsible for over 190,000 cases and an estimated 147,000 annual deaths globally. Extensive research over the past decades has shed light on the signaling pathways underpinning the pathogenicity of C. neoformans, as well as the host's responses during infection. In this context, we delineate the regulatory mechanisms employed by C. neoformans to detect and react to stresses derived from the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang-Woo Jung
- Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Jeongeup, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Heon Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Tae Lee
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yong-Sun Bahn
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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de Sena ACVP, de Arruda JAA, Oliveira SR, Pereira NM, Faria LDS, Travassos DV, Silva TA. Orofacial Cryptococcosis: A Challenging Clinical Report and a Systematic Analysis of the Literature. Int J Surg Pathol 2024; 32:165-181. [PMID: 37143300 DOI: 10.1177/10668969231169048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a neglected fungal disease. The scarcity of studies on oral cryptococcosis is certainly due to rarity and/or underreporting of the disease, especially in Brazil. We describe an example of orofacial cryptococcosis affecting a 57-year-old man after heart transplantation, who presented with multiple erythematous ulcers and erosions distributed in the chin, nasal cavity, labial mucosa, hard palate, and buccal vestibule. Computed tomography revealed opacities and micronodules in the lungs. Histopathological features of the oral and pulmonary lesions were compatible with Cryptococcus spp. Amphotericin B and fluconazole were used for treatment during hospitalization and itraconazole for prolonged therapy after hospital discharge. The patient has been under follow up for 6 months without signs of disease. According to a review conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and LILACS for data analysis of oral cryptococcosis, 26 reports were described in the literature. Predilection for men was observed (85%), with a male:female ratio of 5.5:1. The mean age of the individuals was 49 ± 15.3 years. Oral cryptococcosis mostly presented as an ulcer (n = 17). The palate and tongue were the most affected sites (n = 9 for each). Amphotericin B was the primary therapy utilized in most patients. Seventeen (65%) individuals survived. Knowledge of the clinicodemographic aspects of oral cryptococcosis is important for clinicians in decision making and surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Velasco Pondé de Sena
- Department of Oral Surgery, Pathology and Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Alcides Almeida de Arruda
- Department of Oral Surgery, Pathology and Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sicília Rezende Oliveira
- Department of Oral Surgery, Pathology and Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Nickolas Mendes Pereira
- Multiprofessional Integrated Residency in Health, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Larissa Dos Santos Faria
- Multiprofessional Integrated Residency in Health, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Denise Vieira Travassos
- Multiprofessional Integrated Residency in Health, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Social and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tarcília Aparecida Silva
- Department of Oral Surgery, Pathology and Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Multiprofessional Integrated Residency in Health, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Miranda BA, Freitas GJC, Leocádio VAT, Costa MC, Emídio ECP, Ribeiro NQ, Carmo PHF, Gouveia-Eufrásio L, Hubner J, Tavares LP, Arifa RDN, Brito CB, Silva MF, Teixeira MM, Paixão TA, Peres NTA, Fagundes CT, Santos DA. Secondary Streptococcus pneumoniae infection increases morbidity and mortality during murine cryptococcosis. Immunology 2024; 171:92-103. [PMID: 37814467 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms that cause pneumonia and translocate to the central nervous system (CNS) are responsible for high mortality worldwide. The fungus Cryptococcus gattii (Cg) and the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp) target the same infection organs. This study aimed to investigate the consequences of secondary Sp infection during murine cryptococcosis. Mice infected with Sp after Cg showed significantly increased lethality and a drop in scores of motor behaviour, neuropsychiatric status and autonomous function. Previous Cg infection favoured Sp multiplication in the lungs, causing intense inflammation and necrosis, with further increased bacterial translocation to the spleen, liver and brain. This phenotype was associated with increased platelet-activating factor receptor (Pafr) gene expression, reduced M1 macrophage recruitment, and high levels of proinflammatory mediators. Strategies to overcome early mortality (i.e., infection of Pafr-/- mice, treatment with IL-1 inhibitor or corticoid) were insufficient to revert this phenotype. These results suggest that Cg infection makes the lung microenvironment favourable for Sp colonization and dissemination. Altogether, it leads to an exacerbated and ineffective inflammatory response, decisive for the increased morbidity and mortality during coinfection. In conclusion, our results highlight the importance of more studies addressing coinfections and their consequences in the host, aiming to establish more effective therapeutical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara A Miranda
- Departamento de Microbiologia/Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gustavo J C Freitas
- Departamento de Microbiologia/Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Victor A T Leocádio
- Departamento de Microbiologia/Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marliete C Costa
- Departamento de Microbiologia/Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Elúzia C P Emídio
- Departamento de Microbiologia/Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Noelly Q Ribeiro
- Departamento de Microbiologia/Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Paulo H F Carmo
- Departamento de Microbiologia/Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ludmila Gouveia-Eufrásio
- Departamento de Microbiologia/Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Josy Hubner
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luciana P Tavares
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Raquel D N Arifa
- Departamento de Microbiologia/Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Camila B Brito
- Departamento de Microbiologia/Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Monique F Silva
- Departamento de Patologia/Laboratório de Patologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mauro M Teixeira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Tatiane A Paixão
- Departamento de Patologia/Laboratório de Patologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Nalu T A Peres
- Departamento de Microbiologia/Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Caio T Fagundes
- Departamento de Microbiologia/Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniel A Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia/Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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