Host Lung Environment Limits Aspergillus fumigatus Germination through an SskA-Dependent Signaling Response
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: Aspergillus fumigatus is an important human fungal pathogen particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Initiation of growth by A. fumigatus in the lung is important for its pathogenicity in murine models. However, our understanding of what regulates fungal germination in the lung environment is lacking. Through a serial passage experiment using lung-based medium, we identified a new strain of A. fumigatus that has increased germination potential and inflammation in the lungs. Using this serially passaged strain, we found it had a decreased ability to mediate signaling through the osmotic stress response pathway. This finding was confirmed using genetic null mutants demonstrating that the osmotic stress response pathway is critical for regulating growth in the murine lungs. Our results contribute to the understanding of A. fumigatus adaptation and growth in the host lung environment.
Source: mSphere
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,500
Awards: Dartmouth Lung Biology Center for Molecular, Cellular and Translational Research, Center for Molecular, Cellular, and Translational Immunology, Fungal Collagen-Like Proteins Mediate Oxygen Acquisition and Virulence, Dartmouth Cystic Fibrosis Training Program, Immunobiology of Myeloid and Lymphoid Cells, Evolution of Aspergillus fumigatus virulence, Fungal spore sensing by MDA5 is necessary for antifungal immunity against Aspergillus fumigatus
OpenAlex ID: W4200564577