Research Progress on the Mechanisms of Natural Immune Cells in Host Defense Against Cryptococcus neoformans Infection
Abstract：Cryptococcus neoformans, a typical opportunistic pathogenic fungus, mainly causes infection by inhaling environmental basidiospores or yeast cells through the respiratory tract. The invasive cryptococcosis it causes carries a high risk of mortality in immunocompromised populations. As the first line of defense against Cryptococcus neoformans infection, natural immune cells play a central role in pathogen recognition, phagocytic clearance, and containment of infection spread. However, this pathogen has evolved multiple immune evasion mechanisms that can effectively bypass host innate immune surveillance. Therefore, in-depth exploration of the mechanisms by which natural immune cells combat Cryptococcus neoformans infection is of great significance for revealing the complexity of host-pathogen interactions and developing novel vaccines and therapeutic strategies. This article systematically reviews the latest advances in research on the mechanisms of natural immune cells in host defense against Cryptococcus neoformans infection, with a focus on the regulatory networks involved in pathogen recognition, immune activation, and effector clearance.
Keywords：CryptococcosisCryptococcus neoformansNatural immune cellsImmune evasion
Publication Date：2025-12-28
Online Publishing Date：2026-01-06(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：5( 676-680 )