Isolation and characterization of capsule structure mutant strains of Cryptococcus neoformans.

摘要: Summary The capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans is the most obvious virulence factor this pathogenic yeast. main constituents are glucuronoxyloman- nans (GXM). Although several studies have focused on GXM composition and structure, very little known about their genetics. To elucidate relation- ship between structure patho- physiology cryptococcosis, genetic screening for mutant strains producing a structurally modified was set up. Using monoclonal antibodies specific different sugar epitopes, we isolated with mutated structures (Cas mutants). According to reactivi- ties various antibodies, mutants were classified into six groups (Cas1 Cas6). One Cas2 used clone corresponding gene by complementation. This (USX1) encodes previously identified UDP-xylose synthase. We demonstrated that it necessary both xylosylation C. virulence.