Melanin and virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans.
Melanin synthesis has been associated with virulence for the human pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. Recent evidence indicates that C. neoformans cells synthesize melanin during infection and that this pigment protects the fungus against immune defense mechanisms.
Casadevall
A
A
Department of Microbiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA.
Rosas
A L
AL
Nosanchuk
J D
JD
D000818:Animals; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans / Q000378:metabolism / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D008543:Melanins / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D014774:Virulence
D008543:Melanins