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Biology and Function of Exo-Polysaccharides from Human Fungal Pathogens

  • Mycology (R Cramer, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Environmental fungi such as Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus must survive many different and changing environments as they transition from their environmental niches to human lungs and other organs. Fungi alter their cell surfaces and secreted macromolecules to respond to and manipulate their surroundings.

Recent Findings

This review focuses on exo-polysaccharides, chains of sugars that are transported out of the cell and spread to the local environment. Major exo-polysaccharides for C. neoformans and A. fumigatus are glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) and galactosaminogalactan (GAG), respectively, which accumulate at high concentrations in growth medium and infected patients.

Summary

Here we discuss GXM and GAG synthesis and export, their immunomodulatory properties, and their roles in biofilm formation. We also propose areas of future research to address outstanding questions in the field that could facilitate development of new disease treatments.

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Funding

This work was supported by research grant R01AI130248 from the National Institutes of Health to J.C.S.B.

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  1. Pathology Department, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA

    Krystal Y. Chung & Jessica C. S. Brown

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Dr. Brown reports grants from National Institutes of Health, during the conduct of the study. Ms. Chung has nothing to disclose.

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Chung, K.Y., Brown, J.C.S. Biology and Function of Exo-Polysaccharides from Human Fungal Pathogens. Curr Clin Micro Rpt 7, 1–11 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40588-020-00137-5

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