Phenotypic variation and intracellular parasitism by Histoplasma capsulatum

Citation
S. Kugler et al., Phenotypic variation and intracellular parasitism by Histoplasma capsulatum, P NAS US, 97(16), 2000, pp. 8794-8798
Citations number
18
Categorie Soggetti
Multidisciplinary
Journal title
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ISSN journal
00278424 → ACNP
Volume
97
Issue
16
Year of publication
2000
Pages
8794 - 8798
Database
ISI
SICI code
0027-8424(20000801)97:16<8794:PVAIPB>2.0.ZU;2-P
Abstract
The success of Histoplasma capsulatum as an intracellular pathogen depends completely on successful conversion of the saprophytic mycelial (mold) form of this fungus to a parasitic yeast form. It is therefore not surprising t hat yeast phase-specific genes and gene products are proving to be importan t for survival and proliferation of H. capsulatum within macrophages. In th is study, we have focused on the role and regulation of two yeast-specific characteristics: alpha-(1,3)-glucan, a cell wall polysaccharide modulated b y cell-density (quorum) sensing, and a secreted calcium-binding protein (CB P) that is essential for pathogenicity.