Cell-cell communication in human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans

Abstract:

Cell-cell communication has been well known about the control of various fundamental processes, such as proliferation and cellular differentiation, in multi-cellular organisms. In microbes, cell-cell communication system determines a variety of community and social behaviors. Cryptococcus neoformans is an important environmental human fungal pathogen, which is a common cause for fatal infection towards immune-compromised patients. This pathogen employs diverse strategies as environmental adaptation to maximize its survival during or between its infections. These strategies include cell-cell communication, which regulates the transition between different Cryptococcus neoformans morphotypes with distinct trade-offs against stressors from host or natural niches. In this review, the complex cell-cell communication systems in C. neoformans and their contribution to morphotype transition, stress adaptation and community behaviors are focused.

Key words:Cryptococcus neoformans, cell-cell communication, social behavior, sexual reproduction, morphotype transition