β-1,3-Glucan-Induced Host Phospholipase D Activation Is Involved in Aspergillus fumigatus Internalization into Type II Human Pneumocyte A549 Cells
2011

How Aspergillus fumigatus Invades Lung Cells

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Han Xuelin, Yu Rentao, Zhen Dongyu, Tao Sha, Schmidt Martina, Han Li

Primary Institution: Institute of Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China

Hypothesis

PLD might play an important role in A. fumigatus conidia internalization into A549 cells.

Conclusion

The study found that β-1,3-glucan on the surface of germinated conidia induces host cell PLD activity, which is crucial for the efficient internalization of A. fumigatus into lung epithelial cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • A. fumigatus conidia stimulate host PLD activity and internalization into A549 cells.
  • PLD activation is induced by β-1,3-glucan on the surface of germinated conidia.
  • Both PLD1 and PLD2 are required for efficient internalization of A. fumigatus.

Takeaway

When a type of fungus called Aspergillus fumigatus tries to get into lung cells, it helps the cells change in a way that lets it in, and this process is helped by a substance called β-1,3-glucan.

Methodology

The study involved infecting A549 cells with A. fumigatus conidia and measuring host cell PLD activity and internalization using various assays.

Limitations

The study was conducted in a serum-free environment, which may not fully replicate in vivo conditions.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0021468

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