Decrypting Cryptococcal Disease — Cryptococcal disease (CD) is a leading cause of sickness and death in HIV-infected individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa; however, not all of those living with HIV/AIDS who are exposed to the causative agent, the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, actually progress to disease. In the August 27, 2013 issue of mBio, Dr. Liise-anne Pirofski and postdoctoral fellow Dr. Soma Rohatgi report their finding of a genetic biomarker that predicts progression to CD that potentially could be used to tailor preventative therapies. In analyzing specific genetic signatures present in the genes that code for phagocytic Fc gamma receptors (FCGRs), they identified the gene FCGR3A 158V, which is highly associated with CD in HIV patients. This particular genetic variant resulted in binding of C. neoformans to macrophages, immune cells that normally ingest and kill germs. However, C. neoformans is unusual because it can safely survive and replicate inside these cells. This can lead to CD by giving the germ more opportunity to multiply and spread to other tissues in the body in a “Trojan horse-like” manner. Ongoing studies in the Pirofski lab are investigating this hypothesis. Dr. Pirokski is professor of medicine and of microbiology & immunology, as well as chief of the division of infectious diseases. She also holds the Selma and Dr. Jacques Mitrani Chair in Biomedical Research.
Posted on: Tuesday, September 17, 2013