Phylogenetic analysis of pathogenic algae reveals lineage-dependent patterns of phagocytosis
The study investigates members of the pathogenic algal genus Prototheca, as well as the related genera Auxenohclorella. Some Prototheca species are pathogenic, capable of infecting cattle, humans, and other mammals. The basis of pathology in this genus is poorly understood, and several phylogenetic relationships between members of Prototheca remain unclear.This study combines sequence data, to better resolve the relationships between Prototheca species, with live imaging, to investigate interactions between algae and mammalian immune cells. The study reveals consistent interactions between algal cells and immune cells within some sub-lineages within the genus, while also capturing a surprising variation in interactions across the whole genus.