Nanoscale biophysical properties of the cell surface galactosaminogalactan from the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus

摘要: Many fungal pathogens produce cell surface polysaccharides that play essential roles in host–pathogen interactions. In Aspergillus fumigatus, the newly discovered polysaccharide galactosaminogalactan (GAG) mediates adherence to a variety of substrates through molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we use atomic force microscopy unravel localization and adhesion GAG on living cells. Using single-molecule imaging with tips bearing anti-GAG antibodies, found is massively exposed wild-type (WT) germ tubes, consistent notion this glycopolymer secreted by mycelium A. while it lacking WT resting conidia tubes from mutant (Δuge3) deficient GAG. Imaging anti-β-glucan antibodies shows exposure β-glucan strongly increased Δuge3 mutant, indicating masked during hyphal growth. Single-cell measurements show expression promotes specific pneumocytes non-specific hydrophobic substrates. These results provide foundation for multifunctional properties GAG, thus suggesting could be used as potential target anti-adhesion therapy immunotherapy. Our methodology represents powerful approach characterizing nanoscale organization wall morphogenesis, thereby contributing increase our understanding their role biofilm formation immune responses.