Evaluation of pathology, virulence factor of, and effective chemotherapy against cryptococcosis caused by highly virulent Cryptococcus gattii.

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25461526
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Infectious disease medicine
• Research Institution: Saitama Medical University (2014-2015); National Institute of Infectious Diseases (2013)
• Principal Investigator: OHNO HIDEAKI 埼玉医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (20325640)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: クリプトコックス症 / 高病原性 / 感染病態 / 病原因子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Histopathology of mouse lung infected by Cryptococcus gattii showed low inflammatory response, whereas that of mouse lung infected by Cryptococcus neoformans indicated Th1 type inflammatory response. Additionally, several virulence factors of C. neoformans, such as capsule size or melanin production, were determined on C. gattii strains in order to evaluate the relationship between virulence for mice and those virulence factor. Consequently, it seemed no relation between virulence for mice and virulence factors. On the other hand, therapeutic effect of interferon gamma (IFN-g) on cryptococcus infection mouse model was determined. Fungal burden in the lung of C. neoformans infected mouse had reduced in IFN-g therapy group comparing to control group in this study.

Free Research Field

感染症内科学