Virulence factors released by extracellular vesicles from Cryptococcus neoformans

Cryptococcus neoformans, a prominent opportunistic pathogen, is equipped with unique mechanisms to evade host immune defenses, notably through its capsule and the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Despite significant understanding of its pathogenesis, the precise role of EVs in virulence an...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Wenhao Xiao, Huiqiang Lu, Bowei Jiang, Yaqi Zheng, Puwen Chen, Xiaotong Liu, Junyun Huang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-05-01
Series:Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1572520/full
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1849321580066242560
author Wenhao Xiao
Huiqiang Lu
Bowei Jiang
Yaqi Zheng
Puwen Chen
Xiaotong Liu
Junyun Huang
author_facet Wenhao Xiao
Huiqiang Lu
Bowei Jiang
Yaqi Zheng
Puwen Chen
Xiaotong Liu
Junyun Huang
author_sort Wenhao Xiao
collection DOAJ
description Cryptococcus neoformans, a prominent opportunistic pathogen, is equipped with unique mechanisms to evade host immune defenses, notably through its capsule and the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Despite significant understanding of its pathogenesis, the precise role of EVs in virulence and their molecular components remain underexplored. This review synthesizes current research on the virulence factors encapsulated within EVs of Cryptococcus, highlighting their contribution to fungal survival and pathogenicity. By analyzing the biochemical composition of these vesicles, we found the presence of enzymes (e.g., Urease, laccase), toxins (e.g. Melanin), and genes (e.g. Ssa1) associated with pathogenicity factors. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of these findings for developing therapeutic interventions. This work advances the field by providing a comprehensive overview of EV-mediated mechanisms in Cryptococcus, offering new insights into potential targets for antifungal strategies.
format Article
id doaj-art-bfad4bafeee24cc3938856dcbdf89bd7
institution Kabale University
issn 2235-2988
language English
publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
record_format Article
series Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
spelling doaj-art-bfad4bafeee24cc3938856dcbdf89bd72025-08-20T03:49:42ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology2235-29882025-05-011510.3389/fcimb.2025.15725201572520Virulence factors released by extracellular vesicles from Cryptococcus neoformansWenhao XiaoHuiqiang LuBowei JiangYaqi ZhengPuwen ChenXiaotong LiuJunyun HuangCryptococcus neoformans, a prominent opportunistic pathogen, is equipped with unique mechanisms to evade host immune defenses, notably through its capsule and the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Despite significant understanding of its pathogenesis, the precise role of EVs in virulence and their molecular components remain underexplored. This review synthesizes current research on the virulence factors encapsulated within EVs of Cryptococcus, highlighting their contribution to fungal survival and pathogenicity. By analyzing the biochemical composition of these vesicles, we found the presence of enzymes (e.g., Urease, laccase), toxins (e.g. Melanin), and genes (e.g. Ssa1) associated with pathogenicity factors. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of these findings for developing therapeutic interventions. This work advances the field by providing a comprehensive overview of EV-mediated mechanisms in Cryptococcus, offering new insights into potential targets for antifungal strategies.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1572520/fullCryptococcus neoformansextracellular vesiclesvirulence factorsmechanismtherapeutic potential
spellingShingle Wenhao Xiao
Huiqiang Lu
Bowei Jiang
Yaqi Zheng
Puwen Chen
Xiaotong Liu
Junyun Huang
Virulence factors released by extracellular vesicles from Cryptococcus neoformans
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
Cryptococcus neoformans
extracellular vesicles
virulence factors
mechanism
therapeutic potential
title Virulence factors released by extracellular vesicles from Cryptococcus neoformans
title_full Virulence factors released by extracellular vesicles from Cryptococcus neoformans
title_fullStr Virulence factors released by extracellular vesicles from Cryptococcus neoformans
title_full_unstemmed Virulence factors released by extracellular vesicles from Cryptococcus neoformans
title_short Virulence factors released by extracellular vesicles from Cryptococcus neoformans
title_sort virulence factors released by extracellular vesicles from cryptococcus neoformans
topic Cryptococcus neoformans
extracellular vesicles
virulence factors
mechanism
therapeutic potential
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1572520/full
work_keys_str_mv AT wenhaoxiao virulencefactorsreleasedbyextracellularvesiclesfromcryptococcusneoformans
AT huiqianglu virulencefactorsreleasedbyextracellularvesiclesfromcryptococcusneoformans
AT boweijiang virulencefactorsreleasedbyextracellularvesiclesfromcryptococcusneoformans
AT yaqizheng virulencefactorsreleasedbyextracellularvesiclesfromcryptococcusneoformans
AT puwenchen virulencefactorsreleasedbyextracellularvesiclesfromcryptococcusneoformans
AT xiaotongliu virulencefactorsreleasedbyextracellularvesiclesfromcryptococcusneoformans
AT junyunhuang virulencefactorsreleasedbyextracellularvesiclesfromcryptococcusneoformans