title: Synergy of caspofungin with human polymorphonuclear granulocytes for killing Candida albicans.
abstract: The influence of caspofungin on polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Candida albicans was investigated. Caspofungin, at all of the concentrations tested (2, 3.2, and 8 microg/ml), significantly increased intracellular killing by PMNs through its direct action on both yeast cells and PMNs, indicating the potential ability of caspofungin to synergize with phagocytes for candidal killing. Caspofungin may therefore constitute an effective therapeutic option for the treatment of invasive fungal infections, including those refractory to conventional treatment with azole agents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Microbiology, Microbiology Section, University of Turin, Via Santena 9, 10126 Turin, Italy. vivian.tullio@unito.it
authors.forename: Vivian
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tullio
authors.forename: Narcisa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mandras
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Scalas
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Allizond
authors.forename: Giuliana
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Banche
authors.forename: Janira
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Roana
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Greco
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Castagno
authors.forename: Anna Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Cuffini
authors.forename: Nicola A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Carlone
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects*; D000077336:Caspofungin; D054714:Echinocandins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D055666:Lipopeptides; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000502:physiology*; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D054714:Echinocandins; D055666:Lipopeptides; D000077336:Caspofungin