Reviewing the Etiologic Agents, Microbe-Host Relationship, Immune Response, Diagnosis, and Treatment in Chromoblastomycosis.

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a neglected human disease, caused by different species of pigmented dematiaceous fungi that cause subcutaneous infections. This disease has been considered an occupational disease, occurring among people working in the field of agriculture, particularly in low-income countries. In 1914, the first case of CBM was described in Brazil, and although efforts have been made, few scientific and technological advances have been made in this area. In the field of fungi and host cell relationship, a very reduced number of antigens were characterized, but available data suggest that ectoantigens bind to the cell membrane of host cells and modulate the phagocytic, immunological, and microbicidal responses of immune cells. Furthermore, antigens cleave extracellular proteins in tissues, allowing fungi to spread. On the contrary, if phagocytic cells are able to present antigens in MHC molecules to T lymphocytes in the presence of costimulation and IL-12, a Th1 immune response will develop and a relative control of the disease will be observed. Despite knowledge of the resistance and susceptibility in CBM, up to now, no effective vaccines have been developed. In the field of chemotherapy, most patients are treated with conventional antifungal drugs, such as itraconazole and terbinafine, but these drugs exhibit limitations, considering that not all patients heal cutaneous lesions. Few advances in treatment have been made so far, but one of the most promising ones is based on the use of immunomodulators, such as imiquimod. Data about a standard treatment are missing in the medical literature; part of it is caused by the existence of a diversity of etiologic agents and clinical forms. The present review summarizes the advances made in the field of CBM related to the diversity of pathogenic species, fungi and host cell relationship, antigens, innate and acquired immunity, clinical forms of CBM, chemotherapy, and diagnosis.

Histatin 5 Metallopeptides and Their Potential against Candida albicans Pathogenicity and Drug Resistance.

Usually caused by Candida albicans, buccal candidiasis begins with the morphological transition between yeast and hyphal cells. Over time and without the correct treatment, it can be disseminated through the bloodstream becoming a systemic infection with high mortality rates. C. albicans already shows resistance against antifungals commonly used in treatments. Therefore, the search for new drugs capable of overcoming antifungal resistance is essential. Histatin 5 (Hst5) is an antimicrobial peptide of the Histatin family, that can be found naturally in human saliva. This peptide presents high antifungal activity against C. albicans. However, Hst5 action can be decreased for interaction with enzymes and metal ions present in the oral cavity. The current work aims to bring a brief review of relevant aspects of the pathogenesis and resistance mechanisms already reported for C. albicans. In addition, are also reported here the main immune responses of the human body and the most common antifungal drugs. Finally, the most important aspects regarding Histatin 5 and the benefits of its interaction with metals are highlighted. The intention of this review is to show the promising use of Hst5 metallopeptides in the development of effective drugs.

Antifungal activity of dendritic cell lysosomal proteins against Cryptococcus neoformans.

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening disease among immune compromised individuals that is caused by the opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Previous studies have shown that the fungus is phagocytosed by dendritic cells (DCs) and trafficked to the lysosome where it is killed by both oxidative and non-oxidative mechanisms. While certain molecules from the lysosome are known to kill or inhibit the growth of C. neoformans, the lysosome is an organelle containing many different proteins and enzymes that are designed to degrade phagocytosed material. We hypothesized that multiple lysosomal components, including cysteine proteases and antimicrobial peptides, could inhibit the growth of C. neoformans. Our study identified the contents of the DC lysosome and examined the anti-cryptococcal properties of different proteins found within the lysosome. Results showed several DC lysosomal proteins affected the growth of C. neoformans in vitro. The proteins that killed or inhibited the fungus did so in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the concentration of protein needed for cryptococcal inhibition was found to be non-cytotoxic to mammalian cells. These data show that many DC lysosomal proteins have antifungal activity and have potential as immune-based therapeutics.

Call to Action: How to Tackle Emerging Nosocomial Fungal Infections.

Nosocomial fungal infections require a robust scientific response to complement antifungal development and the implementation of infection control measures. This Commentary discusses how a parallel effort to address fungal pathogenesis and antifungal immunity, the mycobiota and colonization resistance, and risk factors is essential to reduce the toll of these infections.

The domestic pig as human-relevant large animal model to study adaptive antifungal immune responses against airborne Aspergillus fumigatus.

Pulmonary mucosal immune response is critical for preventing opportunistic Aspergillus fumigatus infections. Although fungus-specific CD4+ T cells in blood are described to reflect the actual host-pathogen interaction status, little is known about Aspergillus-specific pulmonary T-cell responses. Here, we exploit the domestic pig as human-relevant large animal model and introduce antigen-specific T-cell enrichment in pigs to address Aspergillus-specific T cells in the lung compared to peripheral blood. In healthy, environmentally Aspergillus-exposed pigs, the fungus-specific T cells are detectable in blood in similar frequencies as observed in healthy humans and exhibit a Th1 phenotype. Exposing pigs to 106 cfu/m3 conidia induces a long-lasting accumulation of Aspergillus-specific Th1 cells locally in the lung and also systemically. Temporary immunosuppression during Aspergillus-exposure showed a drastic reduction in the lung-infiltrating antifungal T-cell responses more than 2 weeks after abrogation of the suppressive treatment. This was reflected in blood, but to a much lesser extent. In conclusion, by using the human-relevant large animal model the pig, this study highlights that the blood clearly reflects the mucosal fungal-specific T-cell reactivity in environmentally exposed as well as experimentally exposed healthy pigs. But, immunosuppression significantly impacts the mucosal site in contrast to the initial systemic immune response.

TAGAP instructs Th17 differentiation by bridging Dectin activation to EPHB2 signaling in innate antifungal response.

The TAGAP gene locus has been linked to several infectious diseases or autoimmune diseases, including candidemia and multiple sclerosis. While previous studies have described a role of TAGAP in T cells, much less is known about its function in other cell types. Here we report that TAGAP is required for Dectin-induced anti-fungal signaling and proinflammatory cytokine production in myeloid cells. Following stimulation with Dectin ligands, TAGAP is phosphorylated by EPHB2 at tyrosine 310, which bridges proximal Dectin-induced EPHB2 activity to downstream CARD9-mediated signaling pathways. During Candida albicans infection, mice lacking TAGAP mount defective immune responses, impaired Th17 cell differentiation, and higher fungal burden. Similarly, in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model of multiple sclerosis, TAGAP deficient mice develop significantly attenuated disease. In summary, we report that TAGAP plays an important role in linking Dectin-induced signaling to the promotion of effective T helper cell immune responses, during both anti-fungal host defense and autoimmunity.

Novel mouse monoclonal antibodies specifically recognizing ß-(1→3)-D-glucan antigen.

ß-(1→3)-D-Glucan is an essential component of the fungal cell wall. Mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against synthetic nona-ß-(1→3)-D-glucoside conjugated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were generated using hybridoma technology. The affinity constants of two selected mAbs, 3G11 and 5H5, measured by a surface plasmon resonance biosensor assay using biotinylated nona-ß-(1→3)-D-glucan as the ligand, were approximately 11 nM and 1.9 nM, respectively. The glycoarray, which included a series of synthetic oligosaccharide derivatives representing ß-glucans with different lengths of oligo-ß-(1→3)-D-glucoside chains, demonstrated that linear tri-, penta- and nonaglucoside, as well as a ß-(1→6)-branched octasaccharide, were recognized by mAb 5H5. By contrast, only linear oligo-ß-(1→3)-D-glucoside chains that were not shorter than pentaglucosides (but not the branched octaglucoside) were ligands for mAb 3G11. Immunolabelling indicated that 3G11 and 5H5 interact with both yeasts and filamentous fungi, including species from Aspergillus, Candida, Penicillium genera and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but not bacteria. Both mAbs could inhibit the germination of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia during the initial hours and demonstrated synergy with the antifungal fluconazole in killing C. albicans in vitro. In addition, mAbs 3G11 and 5H5 demonstrated protective activity in in vivo experiments, suggesting that these ß-glucan-specific mAbs could be useful in combinatorial antifungal therapy.

Organ-specific mechanisms linking innate and adaptive antifungal immunity.

Fungal infections remain a significant global health problem in humans. Fungi infect millions of people worldwide and cause from acute superficial infections to life-threatening systemic disease to chronic illnesses. Trying to decipher the complex innate and adaptive immune mechanisms that protect humans from pathogenic fungi is therefore a key research goal that may lead to immune-based therapeutic strategies and improved patient outcomes. In this review, we summarize how the cells and molecules of the innate immune system activate the adaptive immune system to elicit long-term immunity to fungi. We present current knowledge and exciting new advances in the context of organ-specific immunity, outlining the tissue-specific tropisms for the major pathogenic fungi of humans, the antifungal functions of tissue-resident myeloid cells, and the adaptive immune responses required to protect specific organs from fungal challenge.

Antifungal activities of surfactant protein D in an environment closely mimicking the lung lining.

At the lung lining innate defenses protect our lungs against inhaled fungal cells that could pose a threat to our health. These defenses are comprised of mucociliary clearance, soluble effector molecules and roaming phagocytic cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils. How important each of these defenses is during fungal clearance depends on the specific fungal pathogen in question and on the stage of infection. In this study the localization and antifungal activity of the lung surfactant protein D (SP-D) was studied in an environment mimicking the lung lining. To this end Calu-3 cells were grown on an air-liquid interface allowing them to polarize and to produce mucus at their apical surface. Additionally, neutrophils were added to study their role in fungal clearance. Two fungal pathogens were used for these experiments: Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus, both of clinical relevance. During fungal infection SP-D localized strongly to both fungal surfaces and stayed bound through the different stages of infection. Furthermore, SP-D decreased fungal adhesion to the epithelium and increased fungal clearance by neutrophils from the epithelial surface. These findings suggest that SP-D plays an important role at the different stages of pulmonary defense against fungal intruders.

Avaliação da atividade antifúngica do Cloridrato de Verapamil frente a leveduras do gênero Candida / Evaluation of the antifungal activity of Verapamil Hydrochloride against yeasts of the genus Candida

Resumo: A epidemiologia das infecções causadas por Candida sofreu mudanças nos últimos anos. Embora Candida albicans ainda seja o principal patógeno causador de candidíase, relatos recentes reportam o aumento da incidência de infecções causadas por espécies de Candida não-albicans. A toxicidade dos fármacos antifúngicos utilizados juntamente com o desenvolvimento da resistência tem se tornado um sério problema clínico. Com isso, atualmente existe a urgência na descoberta de novos compostos com atividades antifúngicas. Objetivos: avaliar a atividade antifúngica do fármaco Cloridrato de Verapamil, determinar a Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e a Concentração Fungicida Mínima (CFM), frente à Candida albicans ATCC 18804, Candida krusei ATCC 6258, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 90018 e Candida glabrata ATCC 9030. Além de avaliar a citotoxicidade do fármaco em queratinócitos humanos (HaCaT). Metodologia: a determinação da CIM foi realizada pela técnica de microdiluição de acordo com The European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). A CFM foi determinada por plaqueamento em ágar Sabouraud de alíquotas provenientes das diluições do ensaio de microdiluição. A avaliação da citotoxicidade foi realizada pela técnica de redução da resazurina, sendo possível avaliar a atividade mitocondrial das células HaCaT. Resultados: o fármaco Cloridrato de Verapamil demonstrou atividade antifúngica contra as quatro espécies patogênicas de Candida, com o valor de CIM de 1250 µM; valor de CFM maior que 1250 µM, sendo assim este fármaco foi considerado fungistático. Além disso, o Cloridrato de Verapamil não apresentou citotoxicidade nas concentrações avaliadas no estudo, pois, a redução de células viáveis nas concentrações mais elevadas não ultrapassa 30%. Com relação à redução de biomassa em biofilme de Candida, após tratamento com Cloridrato de Verapamil, houve redução (de 10 a 20%) para as quatro espécies de Candida em estudo, quando utilizadas concentrações de fármaco correspondentes a CIM; quando utilizadas concentrações de fármaco correspondentes a cinco vezes o valor de CIM, houve um aumento significativo na redução de biomassa (de 25% a 60%) em biofilme formado pelas quatro espécies de Candida. Conclusão: o fármaco Cloridrato de Verapamil apresentou atividade antifúngica para Candida albicans e Candida não-albicans, sendo considerado um fármaco fungistático, além de não apresentar citotoxicidade em queratinócitos humanos, e demonstrar atividade na redução de biomassa em biofilme formado pelas quatro espécies de Candida. Demais estudos são necessários para verificar a ação desse fármaco em diferentes mecanismos de virulência frente a células de Candida spp. (AU)

Abstract: The epidemiology of Candida infections has changed in recent years. Although Candida albicans is still the main pathogen causing candidiasis, recent reports have reported an increase in the incidence of infections caused by nonalbicans Candida species. The toxicity of the antifungal drugs used together with the development of resistance has become a serious clinical problem. With this, there is now an urgency in the discovery of new compounds with antifungal activities. Objectives: To evaluate the antifungal activity of the drug Verapamil Hydrochloride, to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (CFM) against Candida albicans ATCC 18804, Candida krusei ATCC 6258, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 90018 and Candida glabrata ATCC 9030 In addition to evaluating the cytotoxicity of the drug in human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Methodology: MIC determination was performed by the microdilution technique according to The European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). The CFM was determined by plating on Sabouraud agar from aliquots from the dilutions of the microdilution assay. The evaluation of cytotoxicity was performed using the resazurin reduction technique, and it was possible to evaluate the mitochondrial activity of HaCaT cells. Results: The drug Verapamil Hydrochloride demonstrated antifungal activity against the four pathogenic species of Candida, with MIC value of 1250 µM; CFM value greater than 1250 µM, so this drug was considered fungistatic. In addition, Verapamil Hydrochloride did not present cytotoxicity in the units evaluated in the study, because the reduction of viable cells in the most cells is not exceeded by 30%. Regarding the biomass reduction in Candida biofilm, after treatment with Verapamil Hydrochloride, there was a reduction (from 10 to 20%) for the four Candida species in study, when the use of drug corresponding to MIC; when the use of drug corresponding to 5 times of MIC, there was a significant increase in the biomass reduction (from 25% to 60%) in the biofilm molded by the four Candida species. Conclusion: Thus, the drug Verapamil Hydrochloride led to the antifungal activity of Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida species, being considered a fungicidal drug, besides not presenting cytotoxicity in human serotonizers, and were submitted to biomass reduction in biofilm molded by four Candida species. More studies are needed to verify the action of the drug on different mechanisms of virulence against Candida spp cells(AU)

Galectin-3 impacts Cryptococcus neoformans infection through direct antifungal effects.

Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated fungal pathogen that causes cryptococcosis, which is a major opportunistic infection in immunosuppressed individuals. Mammalian ß-galactoside-binding protein Galectin-3 (Gal-3) modulates the host innate and adaptive immunity, and plays significant roles during microbial infections including some fungal diseases. Here we show that this protein plays a role also in C. neoformans infection. We find augmented Gal-3 serum levels in human and experimental infections, as well as in spleen, lung, and brain tissues of infected mice. Gal-3-deficient mice are more susceptible to cryptococcosis than WT animals, as demonstrated by the higher fungal burden and lower animal survival. In vitro experiments show that Gal-3 inhibits fungal growth and exerts a direct lytic effect on C. neoformans extracellular vesicles (EVs). Our results indicate a direct role for Gal-3 in antifungal immunity whereby this molecule affects the outcome of C. neoformans infection by inhibiting fungal growth and reducing EV stability, which in turn could benefit the host.

Antifungal Effect of Arabidopsis SGT1 Proteins via Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species.

The highly conserved SGT1 (suppressor of the G2 alleles of skp1) proteins from Arabidopsis are known to contribute to plant resistance to pathogens. While SGT1 proteins respond to fungal pathogens, their antifungal activity is not reported and the mechanism for this inhibition is not well understood. Therefore, recombinant Arabidopsis SGT1 proteins were cloned, expressed, and purified to evaluate their antifungal activity, resulting in their potent inhibition of pathogen growth. Dye-labeled proteins are localized to the cytosol of Candida albicans cells without the disruption of the cell membrane. Moreover, we showed that entry of the proteins into C. albicans cells resulted in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death via altered mitochondrial potential. Morphological changes of C. albicans cells in the presence of proteins were visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Our data suggest that AtSGT1 proteins play a critical role in plant resistance to pathogenic fungal infection and they can be classified to a new plant antifungal protein.

Peptide Vaccine Against Paracoccidioidomycosis.

The chapter reviews methods utilized for the isolation and characterization of a promising immunogen candidate, aiming at a human vaccine against paracoccidioidomycosis. Peptide P10 carries a T-CD4+ epitope and was identified as an internal sequence of the major diagnostic antigen known as gp43 glycoprotein. It successfully treated massive intratracheal infections by virulent Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in combination with chemotherapy.An introduction about the systemic mycosis was found essential to understand the various options that were considered to design prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine protocols using peptide P10.

Caspofungin Increases Fungal Chitin and Eosinophil and γδ T Cell-Dependent Pathology in Invasive Aspergillosis.

The polysaccharide-rich fungal cell wall provides pathogen-specific targets for antifungal therapy and distinct molecular patterns that stimulate protective or detrimental host immunity. The echinocandin antifungal caspofungin inhibits synthesis of cell wall ß-1,3-glucan and is used for prophylactic therapy in immune-suppressed individuals. However, breakthrough infections with fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus are associated with caspofungin prophylaxis. In this study, we report in vitro and in vivo increases in fungal surface chitin in A. fumigatus induced by caspofungin that was associated with airway eosinophil recruitment in neutropenic mice with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IA). More importantly, caspofungin treatment of mice with IA resulted in a pattern of increased fungal burden and severity of disease that was reversed in eosinophil-deficient mice. Additionally, the eosinophil granule proteins major basic protein and eosinophil peroxidase were more frequently detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of lung transplant patients diagnosed with IA that received caspofungin therapy when compared with azole-treated patients. Eosinophil recruitment and inhibition of fungal clearance in caspofungin-treated mice with IA required RAG1 expression and γδ T cells. These results identify an eosinophil-mediated mechanism for paradoxical caspofungin activity and support the future investigation of the potential of eosinophil or fungal chitin-targeted inhibition in the treatment of IA.

Identification and characterization of a novel antimicrobial protein from the housefly Musca domestica.

Antimicrobial peptides/proteins are immune-related molecules that are widely distributed in bacteria, fungi, plants, invertebrates and higher animals. They have exhibited great potential to be developed into antimicrobial drugs. The housefly, Musca domestica, lives in a highly contaminated environment and has adapted a robust immune system against various pathogens. As an effort to search for new antimicrobial molecules in the housefly, we investigated the function of an uncharacterized gene firstly by confirming that its expression was induced by infection in M. domestica. The corresponding protein was then shown to have potent antimicrobial activity. Scanning Electron Microscopy data showed that treatment of C. albicans cells with the protein caused cell size decreasing and cell elongation. The results here suggest the protein a novel class of antimicrobial protein and provide new insights into the immunological mechanisms by which M. domestica combats invading C. albicans.

Induced accumulation of tyramine, serotonin, and related amines in response to Bipolaris sorokiniana infection in barley.

The inducible metabolites were analyzed in barley leaves inoculated with Bipolaris sorokiniana, the causal agent of spot blotch of barley. HPLC analysis revealed that B. sorokiniana-infected leaves accumulated 4 hydrophilic compounds. They were purified by ODS column chromatography and preparative HPLC. Spectroscopic analyses revealed that they were tyramine (1), 3-(2-aminoethyl)-3-hydroxyindolin-2-one (2), serotonin (3), and 5,5'-dihydroxy-2,4'-bitryptamine (4). Among these, 2 and 4 have not been reported as natural products. They showed antifungal activity in an assay of inhibition of B. sorokiniana conidia germination, suggesting that they play a role in the chemical defense of barley as phytoalexins. The accumulation of 1-4 was examined also in the leaves of rice and foxtail millet. Rice leaves accumulated 2, 3, and 4, whereas foxtail millet leaves accumulated 3 and 4 in response to pathogen attack, suggesting the generality of accumulation of 3 and 4 in the Poaceae species.

Síntese, caracterização e efeito microbiológico de nanopartículas de sílica revestidas por prata quando associadas a resina acrílica quimicamente ativada, reembasador macio e ao glaze / Synthesis, characterization and microbiological effect of silver-coated silica nanoparticles when associated with chemically activated acrylic resin, soft reliner and glaze

O objetivo deste trabalho foi sintetizar e caracterizar nanopartículas de sílica recobertas por prata, e avaliar a influência quando incorporadas à resina acrílica quimicamente ativada, ao reembasador macio, e a um glaze, em suas características microbiológicas, microestruturais e mecânicas. Foi confeccionada, pelo método de hidrólise e condensação controlada (método de Stober), uma solução contendo nanopartículas de sílica revestidas por nanopartículas de prata em duas proporções, 10 milimols e 30 milimols, onde as mesmas foram caracterizadas. As nanopartículas de sílica incorporadas com a prata foram analisadas por energia dispersiva de raios-X integrado (EDS), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), e espalhamento de luz dinâmico (DLS). Para análise microbiológica foram confeccionadas 10 amostras cilíndricas (2mmx10mm), em resina acrílica quimicamente ativada onde as partículas foram incorporadas em duas concentrações: 2.5% e 5% com as duas molaridades diferentes 10 mM e 30 mM. Em outra situação foram confeccionadas 10 amostras cilíndricas (2mmx10mm) de reembasador macio, com concentrações de 2,5% e 5% com as duas molaridades diferentes 10 mM e 30 mM, no terceiro caso as partículas foram acrescentadas a um glaze nas duas concentrações e molaridades e aplicada sob uma amostra de reembasador macio SoftConfort (Dencril) a base de resina acrílica. Uma suspensão de Candida albicans e Estreptococos mutans foi utilizada para análise de concentração inibitória mínima. Amostras retangulares em resina acrílica (n=6) de 30x10x3mm, foram confeccionadas para realização do teste de resistência a flexão de três pontos de ensaios mecânicos EMIC (Modelo DL-1000, EMIC Equipamentos e Sistemas LTDA., São José dos Pinhais - PR ­ Brasil), com velocidade de 1mm/min. Amostras sem a presença de nanopartículas foram confeccionadas como grupo controle. A sílica inicialmente apresentava-se como um pó de coloração branca e fina, após a sua caracterização com as partículas de Nitrato de Prata, houve alteração da coloração para um tom amarelado, aumento da sua densidade e do tamanho de suas nanopartículas. Os resultados de ação antimicrobiana foram positivos para as amostras de reembasador macio e glaze com 5% e 30 mMol de nanopartículas, já no ensaio mecânico não houve diferença significante estatisticamente entre os grupos(AU)

The aim of this work was to synthesize and characterize silver - coated silica nanoparticles, and to evaluate the influence when incorporated into chemically activated acrylic resin, soft reliner, and glaze, in their microbiological, microstructural and mechanical characteristics. A solution containing silica nanoparticles coated by silver nanoparticles in two proportions, 10 millimols and 30 millimols, where they were characterized, was prepared by the hydrolysis and controlled condensation method (Stober method). Silica nanoparticles incorporated with silver were analyzed by integrated X-ray dispersive energy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS).For the microbiological analysis, 10 cylindrical samples (2mmx10mm) were made in chemically activated acrylic resin where the particles were incorporated in two concentrations: 2.5% and 5% with two different molarities of 10 mM and 30 mM. In another situation, 10 cylindrical samples (2mmx10mm) of soft reliner were made, with concentrations of 2.5% and 5% with the two different molarities 10 mM and 30 mM, in the third case the particles were added to a glaze in the two concentrations and molarities and applied under a sample of soft reliner Soft Confort (Dencril). A suspension of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans was used for analysis of minimal inhibitory concentration. The samples were made in acrylic resin (n = 6) of 30x10x3mm and were made to perform the three-point flexural strength test of EMIC (Model DL-1000, EMIC Equipamentos e Sistemas Ltda., São José dos Pinhais - PR - Brazil), with a speed of 1mm / min. Samples without the presence of nanoparticles were made as a control group. The silica initially presented as a fine white powder after its characterization with the Silver Nitrate particles, there was a change of coloration to a yellowish tone, increase of its density and the size of its nanoparticles. The results of antimicrobial action were positive for the soft reliner and glaze samples with 5% and 30 mMol of nanoparticles, whereas in the mechanical assay there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (AU)

DAPK1 Keeps the Peace in Antifungal Inflammation.

Unabated inflammation and impaired antifungal immunity underlie genetic defects in NOX-2-dependent activation of LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP). In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Oikonomou et al. (2016) identify a molecular link between IFN-γ/DAPK1 signaling, the proteosomal degradation pathway, and LAP that is critical for dampening Aspergillus-triggered immunopathology.

Antifungal Activity of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells against Cryptococcus neoformans In Vitro Requires Expression of Dectin-3 (CLEC4D) and Reactive Oxygen Species.

Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) are critical for protection against pulmonary infection with the opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans; however, the role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) is unknown. We show for the first time that murine pDCs have direct activity against C. neoformans via reactive oxygen species (ROS), a mechanism different from that employed to control Aspergillus fumigatus infections. The anticryptococcal activity of murine pDCs is independent of opsonization but appears to require the C-type lectin receptor Dectin-3, a receptor not previously evaluated during cryptococcal infections. Human pDCs can also inhibit cryptococcal growth by a mechanism similar to that of murine pDCs. Experimental pulmonary infection of mice with a C. neoformans strain that induces protective immunity demonstrated that recruitment of pDCs to the lungs is CXCR3 dependent. Taken together, our results show that pDCs inhibit C. neoformans growth in vitro via the production of ROS and that Dectin-3 is required for optimal growth-inhibitory activity.