1. Rheological properties of cryptococcal polysaccharide change with fiber size, antibody binding and temperature.
- Author
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de S Araújo GR, Viana NB, Pontes B, and Frases S
- Subjects
- Antibodies, Fungal immunology, Fungal Capsules chemistry, Fungal Capsules immunology, Fungal Capsules physiology, Optical Tweezers, Particle Size, Polysaccharides chemistry, Polysaccharides immunology, Polysaccharides metabolism, Rheology, Virulence Factors chemistry, Virulence Factors immunology, Virulence Factors metabolism, Viscoelastic Substances, Antibodies, Fungal metabolism, Cryptococcus neoformans chemistry, Polysaccharides physiology, Temperature, Virulence Factors physiology
- Abstract
Aim: Cryptococcus neoformans is the major agent of cryptococcosis. The main virulence factor is the polysaccharide (PS) capsule. Changes in cryptococcal PS properties have been poorly elucidated. Materials & methods: We analyzed the mechanical properties of secreted PS and intact capsules, using dynamic light scattering and optical tweezers. Results: Storage and loss moduli showed that secreted PS behaves as a viscoelastic liquid, while capsular PS behaves as a viscoelastic solid. The secreted PS remains as a viscoelastic fluid at different temperatures with thermal hysteresis after 85°C. Antibody binding altered the viscoelastic behavior of both secreted and capsular PS. Conclusion: Deciphering the mechanical aspects of these structures could reveal features that may have consequences in novel therapies against cryptococcosis.
- Published
- 2019
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