Host-membrane lipid composition controls Cryptococcus neoformans cellular targets
This study provides novel evidence that lipid membranes containing higher phosphatidylcholine are a primary target of GXM of <i>C. neoformans</i> and could be the possible reason for the preferential targeting of GXM to neurons. Additionally, GXM induced synaptic deficits in neurons, which could be a significant factor contributing to the neurological dysfunctions observed in this fungal infection. This study opens the mechanism of pathogenesis and targeting opportunities for treating <i>C. neoformans-</i>induced meningoencephalitis.
Authors
- Kavitha Saravu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6399-1129)
- Varadaraj Bhat
- Aswathi Ramesh
- Indumathi Mariappan
- K. R. Sabitha
- Shivakumar K Reddy
- Ashok K. Shetty
- Divya Chandran
- Sriram Krishnamurthy
- Sumukha Hegde (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7198-3372)
- Dinesh Upadhya (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0673-9765)
- Vishukumar Aimanianda
- Pritesh Bhat
- Yegneswaran Prakash Peralam
- Kavitha S. Shettigar
- P.V. Mallikarjuna
- Aarsh Mahendra Dabhi
Institutions
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (IN)
- L V Prasad Eye Institute (IN)
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (MX)
- Institute of Endemic Disease Control in Shandong Province (CN)
- Schrodinger (United States) (US)
- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (IN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Immunology
- Published
- 2026-01-06
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1687068
- Primary Topic
- Fungal Infections and Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Indian Council of Medical Research