Interaction of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii with the host immune system

Abstract

Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are the etiological agents of cryptococcal meningitis, a fatal disease if left untreated. C. neoformans is considered an opportunistic pathogen and causes disease in immunocompromised patients, while C. gattii is a primary pathogen that infects healthy individuals. The mechanisms underlying host preference are not yet understood. Infection with C. neoformans and C. gattii depends on host susceptibility, the virulence of the strain and host-pathogen interactions. The complex interaction of the host with the pathogen eventually decides if the inflammatory response will be more Th1 or Th2 balanced, which will directly influence clinical outcome. Differences between these two species are highlighted in this review, focusing on the differences in complement activation, neutrophil migration, intracellular parasitism and the response to anti-fungal treatment.