Pathogenesis of infection by Cryptococcus neoformans.
Thomas R. Kozel (Principal Investigator), Suzanne Brandt, Reva Crump, Raymond Duro, Marci Gates, Peter Thorkildson and William Welch

C. neoformans is a yeast that produces a life-threatening meningitis in patients with cellular immune deficiencies. Cryptococcosis is one of the most serious opportunistic infections in people with AIDS. The yeast is surrounded by a polysaccharide capsule that is essential to the ability of the fungus to cause disease. Studies in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology examine the biological activities of the capsular polysaccharide and the mechanisms by which the polysaccharide contributes to virulence. Technologies used include production of monoclonal antibodies, confocal and other advanced forms of microscopy, molecular modeling of antibody-polysaccharide interactions, and polysaccharide structural analysis. Results from this research may suggest novel means to treat infection and contribute to vaccine development. This work is supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health and a grant from the Foundation for Research.