Virulence-Associated Enzymes of Cryptococcus neoformans

Abstract

Enzymes play key roles in fungal pathogenesis. Manipulation of enzyme expression or activity can significantly alter the infection process, and enzyme expression profiles can be a hallmark of disease. Hence, enzymes are worthy targets for better understanding pathogenesis and identifying new options for combatting fungal infections. Advances in genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and mass spectrometry have enabled the identification and characterization of new fungal enzymes. This review focuses on recent developments in the virulence-associated enzymes from Cryptococcus neoformans. The enzymatic suite of C. neoformans has evolved for environmental survival, but several of these enzymes play a dual role in colonizing the mammalian host. We also discuss new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies that could be based on the underlying enzymology.

FIG 1

Enzymes are crucial for fungal pathogenesis and can alter the infection process. These enzymes are potential targets for new antifungal agents. (A) Some pathogenesis-related enzymes are retained to be active inside the cell body, while others are secreted. Some, like laccase, are both retained and secreted. (B) Of those released, some are secreted using traditional secretion systems, while others are included as cargo in extracellular vesicles.