Extracellular vesicles produced by Cryptococcus neoformans contain protein components associated with virulence

Marcio L. Rodrigues, Ernesto S. Nakayasu, Debora L. Oliveira, Leonardo Nimrichter, Joshua D. Nosanchuk, Igor C. Almeida, Arturo Casadevall

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

416 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cryptococcus neoformans produces vesicles containing its major virulence factor, the capsular polysaccharide glucuronoxylomannan (GXM). These vesicles cross the cell wall to reach the extracellular space, where the polysaccharide is supposedly used for capsule growth or delivered into host tissues. In the present study, we characterized vesicle morphology and protein composition by a combination of techniques including electron microscopy, proteomics, enzymatic activity, and serological reactivity. Secretory vesicles in C. neoformans appear to be correlated with exosome-like compartments derived from multivesicular bodies. Extracellular vesicles manifested various sizes and morphologies, including electron-lucid membrane bodies and electrondense vesicles. Seventy-six proteins were identified by proteomic analysis, including several related to virulence and protection against oxidative stress. Biochemical tests indicated laccase and urease activities in vesicles. In addition, different vesicle proteins were recognized by sera from patients with cryptococcosis. These results reveal an efficient and general mechanism of secretion of pathogenesis-related molecules in C. neoformans, suggesting that extracellular vesicles function as "virulence bags" that deliver a concentrated payload of fungal products to host effector cells and tissues.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)58-67
Number of pages10
JournalEukaryotic Cell
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Extracellular vesicles produced by Cryptococcus neoformans contain protein components associated with virulence'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this