Altered expression of surface alpha-1,3-glucan in genetically related strains of Blastomyces dermatitidis that differ in virulence

• DOI: 10.1128/iai.62.8.3543-3546.1994
• Publication Date: 2020-01-03T13:32:52Z
• Authors: L H Hogan; B S Klein
• Keywords: Blastomyces; Dimorphic fungus; Histoplasma; Coccidioides

Recent studies of the dimorphic fungal pathogens Histoplasma capsulatum and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis have suggested a role in virulence for cell surface carbohydrate alpha-(1,3)-glucan. To investigate possible basis alpha-(1,3)-glucan pathogenicity fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis, we examined three genetically related strains B. dermatitidis that differ their mice: wild-type virulent strain ATCC 26199; mutant 60915, which is 10,000-fold reduced virulence; 60916, avirulent. Immunologic quantitation wall revealed yeasts were almost devoid this sugar moiety, contrast to high concentration on yeasts. These differences are discussed relation previous yeast expression WI-1 antigen recognition binding by human monocyte-derived macrophages.