title: Influence of indinavir on virulence and growth of Cryptococcus neoformans.
abstract: Indinavir selectively inhibited production of some virulence factors of Cryptococcus neoformans, such as urease and protease, but not melanin and phospholipase; moreover, it interfered with capsule formation. These effects led to increased susceptibility of C. neoformans to intracellular killing by natural effector cells. Prolonged incubation with indinavir resulted in inhibition of fungal growth. Indinavir can attenuate the virulence of the fungus, thus augmenting its susceptibility to the antimicrobial activity of natural effector cells. The reduction in cryptococcal infections in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients might also be related to the antifungal activity of highly active antiretroviral therapy.
authors.affiliation: Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Monari
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pericolini
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bistoni
authors.forename: Elio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cenci
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bistoni
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vecchiarelli
mesh_terms: D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity; D017320:HIV Protease Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D019469:Indinavir / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014774:Virulence / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D017320:HIV Protease Inhibitors; D019469:Indinavir