Contribution of glycosylation to T cell responses stimulated by recombinant Cryptococcus neoformans mannoprotein

J Infect Dis. 2007 Sep 1;196(5):796-800. doi: 10.1086/520536. Epub 2007 Jul 20.

Abstract

Mannoproteins are major antigens driving T cell responses to the opportunistic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. To investigate the role played by mannosylation, an immunoreactive cryptococcal mannoprotein was expressed recombinantly in E. coli and Pichia pastoris, resulting in unglycosylated and mannosylated proteins, respectively. The Pichia-derived antigen stimulated stronger major histocompatibility class II-restricted T cell responses. Moreover, responses were potently inhibited if the antigen was chemically deglycosylated or if mannose receptors were blocked with mannans. Thus, mannosylation is critical for optimal T cell responses to a fungal antigen and should be taken into account when vaccines to protect against mycoses are designed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Fungal
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / chemistry*
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / immunology*
  • Glycosylation
  • Male
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / chemistry*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Fungal
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • mannoproteins