Party for killing: the social behaviors in Cryptococcus neoformans

Abstract:

Fungal pathogens represent an important group of human pathogenic microbes that lead to an unacceptably severe global burden especially due to exceptionally high mortality. For many fungal pathogens, they are widespread saprophytes and human host is not the exclusive niche for their proliferation. Their exceptional capability to survive and thrive within infected host likely stems from their sophisticated strategies in adaptation to diverse biotic and abiotic stressors from natural niches or predators. Among these ‘environmental pathogens’, Cryptococcus neoformans as a model organism claims the lives of more than half a million annually. Some recent studies indicate that cryptococcal survival both inside and outside of hosts can be coordinated by a combination of social behaviors. In this review, we describe and discuss the social behaviors employed by C. neoformans and address their significant impact on biofilm formation, sexual reproduction and pathogenicity.