17‐β‐Estradiol increases macrophage activity through activation of the G‐protein‐coupled estrogen receptor and improves the response of female mice to Cryptococcus gattii

• DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13179
• Publication Date: 2020-02-04T13:43:22Z
• Authors: Marliete C. Costa; Heliana Barros Fe...; Gleisy K. N. Gonç...; Anderson P. N. Sa...; Gabriella F. Ferr...; Gustavo J. C. Fre...; Paulo H. F. Carmo; Jôsy Hubner; Elúzia C. P. Emídio; Julliana R. A. Sa...; Jane L. Santos; Adelina M. Reis; Caio T. Fagundes; Aristóbolo M. Silva; Daniel A. Santos
• Keywords: Cryptococcus gattii; GPER

Cryptococcus gattii (Cg) is one of the agents cryptococcosis, a severe systemic mycosis with higher prevalence in men than women, but influence female sex hormone, 17-β-estradiol (E2), on cryptococcosis remains unclear. Our study shows that mice presented delayed mortality, increased neutrophil recruitment bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and reduced fungal load after 24 hr infection compared to male ovariectomised (OVX). E2 replacement restored OVX survival. Female macrophages have more efficient fungicidal activity, which was by reversed antagonist G-protein-coupled oestrogen receptor (GPER), negatively modulates PI3K activation. Furthermore, induces reduction Cg cell diameter, charge, antioxidant peroxidase activity. In conclusion, present improved control infection, GPER important for modulation response.