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| Open AccessToll-like receptor 4 and macrophage scavenger receptor 1 crosstalk regulates phagocytosis of a fungal pathogen
Fungal pathogens are recognised and phagocytosed by macrophages in the early stages of infection. Here, Onyishi et al. identify a crosstalk between Toll Like Receptor 4 and Macrophage Scavenger Receptor 1 in the regulation of Cryptococcus neoformans uptake.
- Chinaemerem U. Onyishi
- , Guillaume E. Desanti
- & Robin C. May
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| Open AccessFungal small RNAs ride in extracellular vesicles to enter plant cells through clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea can send sRNAs to plant cells to suppress plant immunity. Here the authors demonstrate that B. cinerea utilizes extracellular vesicles (EVs) to secrete Bc-sRNAs, which are then internalized by plant cells through clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME).
- Baoye He
- , Huan Wang
- & Hailing Jin
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| Open AccessT cell infiltration into the brain triggers pulmonary dysfunction in murine Cryptococcus-associated IRIS
Cryptococcus-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome is a condition found in immunocompromised patients on antiretroviral therapy and characterized by numerous symptoms, including pulmonary distress. Here, Kawano et al use a mouse model to characterize the processes underlying this pulmonary dysfunction.
- Tasuku Kawano
- , Jinyan Zhou
- & Makoto Inoue
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| Open AccessMacrophage internalization creates a multidrug-tolerant fungal persister reservoir and facilitates the emergence of drug resistance
Arastehfar et al. show that macrophage-engulfed cells of fungal pathogen Candida glabrata exhibit multidrug tolerance and increased survival in the presence of cidal antifungal drugs, forming a reservoir from which drug-resistant mutants emerge
- Amir Arastehfar
- , Farnaz Daneshnia
- & David S. Perlin
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| Open AccessPD-L1 negatively regulates antifungal immunity by inhibiting neutrophil release from bone marrow
Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) suppresses host immunity during infection and microbial sepsis. Here, the authors show that PD-L1 does this by regulating the secretion of CXCL1 and CXCL2 to control neutrophil mobilization during Candida albicans infection.
- Yao Yu
- , Rong-Rong Wang
- & Xin-Ming Jia
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| Open AccessInhibition of myeloid-derived suppressor cell arginase-1 production enhances T-cell-based immunotherapy against Cryptococcus neoformans infection
Cryptococcus neoformans causes opportunistic infection and potentially lethal immunopathology but therapeutic options are limited. Here the authors implicate myeloid derived suppressor cells during C. neoformans infection and suggest targeting arginase-1 production as a potential therapeutic strategy.
- Ya-Nan Li
- , Zhong-Wei Wang
- & Xin-Ming Jia
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Article
| Open AccessInnate immune responses against the fungal pathogen Candida auris
Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant human fungal pathogen responsible for nosocomial outbreaks worldwide. Here, the authors identify differential innate immune responses induced by C. auris and Candida albicans in vitro and in vivo, which correlate with structural features of the cell wall.
- Yuanyuan Wang
- , Yun Zou
- & Dongsheng Zhou
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| Open AccessThe Botrytis cinerea Crh1 transglycosylase is a cytoplasmic effector triggering plant cell death and defense response
Crh proteins catalyze crosslinking of chitin and glucan polymers in fungal cell walls. Here, Bi et al. show that a Crh protein from the phytopathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea acts as a cytoplasmic effector and elicitor of plant defense, and plants expressing this gene exhibit reduced sensitivity to the pathogen.
- Kai Bi
- , Loredana Scalschi
- & Amir Sharon
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| Open AccessPresence of low virulence chytrid fungi could protect European amphibians from more deadly strains
The pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (BD) associated with widespread amphibian declines is present in Europe but has not consistently caused disease-induced declines in that region. Here, the authors suggest that an endemic strain of BD with low virulence may protect the hosts upon co-infection with more virulent strains.
- Mark S. Greener
- , Elin Verbrugghe
- & An Martel
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| Open AccessThe phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum detoxifies plant glucosinolate hydrolysis products via an isothiocyanate hydrolase
Some plants produce toxic isothiocyanates that protect them against pathogens. Here, Chen et al. show that the plant pathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum converts isothiocyanates into non-toxic compounds via glutathione conjugation and, more effectively, via hydrolysis to amines using an isothiocyanate hydrolase.
- Jingyuan Chen
- , Chhana Ullah
- & Daniel G. Vassão
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Article
| Open AccessNeutrophil swarming delays the growth of clusters of pathogenic fungi
Neutrophils employ several mechanisms to control the growth of fungi, including enzymes, reactive oxygen species, extracellular traps, and formation of “swarms”. Here, Hopke et al. study how the different mechanisms work together, using an in vitro assay with human neutrophils and clusters of live Candida cells.
- Alex Hopke
- , Allison Scherer
- & Daniel Irimia
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| Open AccessNon-canonical signalling mediates changes in fungal cell wall PAMPs that drive immune evasion
The authors show that the fungal pathogen Candida albicans exploits diverse host-associated signals, including specific nutrients and stresses, to promote immune evasion by masking cell wall β-glucan, a major pathogen-associated molecular pattern.
- Arnab Pradhan
- , Gabriela M. Avelar
- & Alistair J. P. Brown
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| Open AccessThermotolerance in the pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans is linked to antigen masking via mRNA decay-dependent reprogramming
The fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans can adapt to mammalian core body temperature. Here, Bloom et al. show that Ccr4-mediated decay of ribosomal protein mRNAs is important for thermotolerance and immune evasion by promoting masking of cell wall glucans.
- Amanda L. M. Bloom
- , Richard M. Jin
- & John C. Panepinto
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| Open AccessA fungal pathogen deploys a small silencing RNA that attenuates mosquito immunity and facilitates infection
Fungi that infect insects can potentially be exploited for disease vector control. Here the authors show that the fungus Beauveria bassiana exports a microRNA-like RNA into mosquito cells that modulates host immunity by suppressing expression of Toll receptor ligand Spätzle 4.
- Chunlai Cui
- , Yan Wang
- & Sibao Wang
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| Open AccessMFS transporter from Botrytis cinerea provides tolerance to glucosinolate-breakdown products and is required for pathogenicity
Plant glucosinolates are important in defense against fungal pathogens. Here, the authors identify a major facilitator superfamily transporter protein of the pathogen Botrytis cinerea, mfsG, that plays a role in efflux and detoxification of glucosinolate-breakdown products during plant–pathogen interactions.
- David Vela-Corcía
- , Dhruv Aditya Srivastava
- & Maggie Levy
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Article
| Open AccessCandidalysin activates innate epithelial immune responses via epidermal growth factor receptor
Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungus primarily affecting immunocompromised patients. Here, the authors identify a novel mechanism of host immune stimulation and highlight candidalysin and EGFR signalling components as potential targets for prophylactic and therapeutic intervention of mucosal candidiasis.
- Jemima Ho
- , Xuexin Yang
- & Julian R. Naglik
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| Open AccessCoordinated host-pathogen transcriptional dynamics revealed using sorted subpopulations and single macrophages infected with Candida albicans
The outcomes of the interactions between individual host cells and pathogens are heterogeneous. Here, the authors assess transcriptional variability in both host and pathogen during infection of macrophages with the fungus Candida albicans, using sorted subpopulations and single macrophages.
- José F. Muñoz
- , Toni Delorey
- & Christina A. Cuomo
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| Open AccessA small secreted protein triggers a TLR2/4-dependent inflammatory response during invasive Candida albicans infection
The interplay between fungal pathogens and the innate immune system remains incompletely understood. Here, Wang et al. show that a small protein secreted by Candida albicans induces a TLR2- and TLR4-mediated inflammatory response in a mouse infection model.
- Wenjuan Wang
- , Zihou Deng
- & Jiangye Chen
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| Open AccessMicroglia and amyloid precursor protein coordinate control of transient Candida cerebritis with memory deficits
The potential links between infections and neurodegenerative disorders are unclear. Here, Wu et al. present a mouse model of low-grade candidemia characterized by highly localized cerebritis, accumulation of amyloid precursor protein and beta peptides, and mild memory impairment that resolves with fungal clearance.
- Yifan Wu
- , Shuqi Du
- & David B. Corry
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| Open AccessThe fungal peptide toxin Candidalysin activates the NLRP3 inflammasome and causes cytolysis in mononuclear phagocytes
Phagocytic cells of the innate immune system play critical roles in defence against invading pathogens including the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans. Here the authors show that C. albicans derived Candidalysin in addition to being a cell-damaging toxin to mononuclear phagocytes is a trigger of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in these cells.
- Lydia Kasper
- , Annika König
- & Bernhard Hube
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| Open AccessLung colonization by Aspergillus fumigatus is controlled by ZNF77
Aspergillus fumigatus regularly colonises the lungs but in the context of respiratory disease can be associated with increased pathology. Here the authors show mutations in ZNF77 result in altered bronchial epithelial characteristics and enhanced fungal burden.
- Sara Gago
- , Nicola L. D. Overton
- & Paul Bowyer
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| Open AccessGut fungal dysbiosis correlates with reduced efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation in Clostridium difficile infection
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is effective in treating recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Here, the authors show that the composition of the gut fungal microbiota of donors and recipients, and especially the abundance of Candida, correlates with FMT outcome in CDI patients.
- Tao Zuo
- , Sunny H. Wong
- & Siew C. Ng
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| Open AccessIron restriction inside macrophages regulates pulmonary host defense against Rhizopus species
Mucormycosis is a life-threatening respiratory fungal infection that typically occurs in patients with abnormalities in iron metabolism. Here the authors show that iron restriction inside the phagosome of macrophages is an essential component of the host defense against Rhizopus, the main species causing mucormycosis.
- Angeliki M. Andrianaki
- , Irene Kyrmizi
- & Georgios Chamilos
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| Open AccessThe Ustilago maydis repetitive effector Rsp3 blocks the antifungal activity of mannose-binding maize proteins
The fungus Ustilago maydis secretes many effector proteins to cause disease in maize. Here, Ma et al. show that the repetitive effector Rsp3 is required for virulence by inhibiting the antifungal activity of two mannose-binding proteins that are secreted by the plant cells.
- Lay-Sun Ma
- , Lei Wang
- & Regine Kahmann
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| Open AccessGalectin-3 impacts Cryptococcus neoformans infection through direct antifungal effects
The protein Galectin-3 modulates host immunity and plays roles during infections. Here, Almeida et al. show that this protein contributes to host defence against infection with the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans by inhibiting fungal growth and inducing lysis of fungal extracellular vesicles.
- Fausto Almeida
- , Julie M. Wolf
- & Arturo Casadevall
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| Open AccessGenomic innovations linked to infection strategies across emerging pathogenic chytrid fungi
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and B. salamandrivoransare both important pathogens of amphibians, but they differ in their host ranges, infection strategies, and host immune responses. Here, Farrer and colleagues compare their genomes and transcriptomes to identify the genetic basis of these differences.
- Rhys A. Farrer
- , An Martel
- & Christina A. Cuomo
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| Open AccessThe fungal-specific β-glucan-binding lectin FGB1 alters cell-wall composition and suppresses glucan-triggered immunity in plants
β-glucans derived from fungal cell walls can trigger immune responses in animals, yet their roles in plant-fungal interactions are less well known. Here, Wawraet al. show that the FGB1 proteins, secreted by the fungal endophyte P. indica, can alter fungal cell wall composition and suppress immune responses in plants.
- Stephan Wawra
- , Philipp Fesel
- & Alga Zuccaro
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| Open AccessSurvival trade-offs in plant roots during colonization by closely related beneficial and pathogenic fungi
Colletotrichum tofieldiae is a beneficial root endophyte, whereas the closely related C. incanumis pathogenic. Here the authors compare the genomes and transcriptomes during host plant interaction and demonstrate that the host plant can respond differently to the beneficial endophyte according to phosphate status.
- Stéphane Hacquard
- , Barbara Kracher
- & Richard J. O’Connell
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| Open AccessGlobal analysis of fungal morphology exposes mechanisms of host cell escape
Several pathogenic fungi such as Candida albicans undergo transitions between single-celled forms and multicellular filaments. Here the authors perform a genome-scale analysis of C. albicansand show that, contrary to common belief, filamentation is not required for escape from host immune cells.
- Teresa R. O’Meara
- , Amanda O. Veri
- & Leah E. Cowen
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Functional genomics identifies type I interferon pathway as central for host defense against Candida albicans
Systemic infection with the fungal pathogenC. albicans is characterized by high mortality, and the precise antifungal defence mechanisms in humans are poorly defined. Using a systems approach, Smeekens et al. describe a previously unknown role for type I interferons in human anti-Candidadefence.
- Sanne P. Smeekens
- , Aylwin Ng
- & Ramnik J. Xavier