AUTHOR=Madu Uju L. , Ogundeji Adepemi O. , Mochochoko Bonang M. , Pohl Carolina H. , Albertyn Jacobus , Swart Chantel W. , Allwood J. William , Southam Andrew D. , Dunn Warwick B. , May Robin C. , Sebolai Olihile M. 

TITLE=Cryptococcal 3-Hydroxy Fatty Acids Protect Cells Against Amoebal Phagocytosis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=6

YEAR=2015

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2015.01351

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2015.01351

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p>We previously reported on a 3-hydroxy fatty acid that is secreted via cryptococcal capsular protuberances - possibly to promote pathogenesis and survival. Thus, we investigated the role of this molecule in mediating the fate of <italic>Cryptococcus (C.) neoformans</italic> and the related species <italic>C. gattii</italic> when predated upon by amoebae. We show that this molecule protects cells against the phagocytic effects of amoebae. <italic>C. neoformans</italic> UOFS Y-1378 (which produces 3-hydroxy fatty acids) was less sensitive toward amoebae compared to <italic>C. neoformans</italic> LMPE 046 and <italic>C. gattii</italic> R265 (both do not produce 3-hydroxy fatty acids) and addition of 3-hydroxy fatty acids to <italic>C. neoformans</italic> LMPE 046 and <italic>C. gattii</italic> R265 culture media, causes these strains to become more resistant to amoebal predation. Conversely, addition of aspirin (a 3-hydroxy fatty acid inhibitor) to <italic>C. neoformans</italic> UOFS Y-1378 culture media made cells more susceptible to amoebae. Our data suggest that this molecule is secreted at a high enough concentration to effect intracellular signaling within amoeba, which in turn, promotes fungal survival.</p>