β-1,3-Glucan recognition by as a putative mechanism of amoeba-fungal interactions.

In this study, we conducted an in-depth analysis to characterize potential () proteins capable of recognizing fungal β-1,3-glucans. specifically anchors curdlan or laminarin, indicating the presence of surface β-1,3-glucan-binding molecules. Using optical tweezers, strong adhesion of laminarin- or curdlan-coated beads to was observed, highlighting their adhesive properties compared to controls (characteristic time τ of 46.

In vitro and in vivo efficacies of Dectin-1-Fc(IgG)(s) fusion proteins against invasive fungal infections.

Unlabelled: Fungal infections have increased in the last years, particularly associated to an increment in the number of immunocompromised individuals and the emergence of known or new resistant species, despite the difficulties in the often time-consuming diagnosis. The controversial efficacy of the currently available strategies for their clinical management, apart from their high toxicity and severe side effects, has renewed the interest in the research and development of new broad antifungal alternatives. These encompass vaccines and passive immunization strategies with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), recognizing ubiquitous fungal targets, such as fungal cell wall β-1,3-glucan polysaccharides, which could be used in early therapeutic intervention without the need for the diagnosis at species level.

Recognition of Cell Wall Mannosylated Components as a Conserved Feature for Fungal Entrance, Adaptation and Survival Within Trophozoites of and Murine Macrophages.

() is a species of free-living amoebae (FLAs) that has been widely applied as a model for the study of host-parasite interactions and characterization of environmental symbionts. The sharing of niches between and potential pathogens, such as fungi, favors associations between these organisms. Through predatory behavior, enhances fungal survival, dissemination, and virulence in their intracellular milieu, training these pathogens and granting subsequent success in events of infections to more evolved hosts.

Glycans From Distinct Genotypes Share Structural and Serological Similarities to Glucuronoxylomannan.

The cell wall is a ubiquitous structure in the fungal kingdom, with some features varying depending on the species. Additional external structures can be present, such as the capsule of (), its major virulence factor, mainly composed of glucuronoxylomannan (GXM), with anti-phagocytic and anti-inflammatory properties. The literature shows that other cryptococcal species and even more evolutionarily distant species, such as the , and can produce GXM-like polysaccharides displaying serological reactivity to GXM-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and these complex polysaccharides have similar composition and anti-phagocytic properties to cryptococcal GXM.

Protective Efficacy of Lectin-Fc(IgG) Fusion Proteins In Vitro and in a Pulmonary Aspergillosis In Vivo Model.

Aspergillosis cases by have increased, along with fungal resistance to antifungals, urging the development of new therapies. Passive immunization targeting common fungal antigens, such as chitin and β-glucans, are promising and would eliminate the need of species-level diagnosis, thereby expediting the therapeutic intervention. However, these polysaccharides are poorly immunogenic.

Unravelling the interactions of the environmental host Acanthamoeba castellanii with fungi through the recognition by mannose-binding proteins.

Free-living amoebae (FLAs) are major reservoirs for a variety of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The most studied mycophagic FLA, Acanthamoeba castellanii (Ac), is a potential environmental host for endemic fungal pathogens such as Cryptococcus spp., Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitides, and Sporothrix schenckii.

Functional expression of a peritrophin A-like SfPER protein is required for larval development in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Peritrophins are associated with structural and functional integrity of peritrophic membranes (PM), structures composed of chitin and proteins. PM lines the insect midgut and has roles in digestion and protection from toxins. We report the full-length cDNA cloning, molecular characterization and functional analysis of SfPER, a novel PM peritrophin A protein, in Spodoptera frugiperda.

HT-SuperSAGE of the gut tissue of a Vip3Aa-resistant Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) strain provides insights into the basis of resistance.

Multitoxin Bt-crops expressing insecticidal toxins with different modes of action, for example, Cry and Vip, are expected to improve resistance management in target pests. While Cry1A resistance has been relatively well characterized in some insect species, this is not the case for Vip3A, for which no mechanism of resistance has yet been identified. Here we applied HT-SuperSAGE to analyze the transcriptome of the gut tissue of tobacco budworm Heliothis virescens (F.