title: Cryptococcus neoformans: historical curiosity to modern pathogen.
abstract: The importance of the Basidiomycete Cryptococcus neoformans to human health has stimulated its development as an experimental model for both basic physiology and pathogenesis. We briefly review the history of this fascinating and versatile fungus, some notable aspects of its biology that contribute to virulence, and current tools available for its study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
authors.forename: Deepa
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Srikanta
authors.forename: Felipe H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Santiago-Tirado
authors.forename: Tamara L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Doering
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000266:history* / Q000382:microbiology*; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology*; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D008829:Microbiology / Q000266:history*
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins
keywords: Cryptococcus gattii; Cryptococcus neoformans; capsule; cryptococcosis; meningitis; pathogenic fungus; yeast