Effect of Gliotoxin on HumanPolymorphonuclear Neutrophils

[摘要] Objectives:Candida albicansis known to produce gliotoxin, which has several prominent biologicaleffects, including immunosuppression. interference with host defenses may arise from the effects ofthis toxin on leukocyte structure and function.Methods:Flow cytometric analysis revealed that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) weremore sensitive to gliotoxin than were mononuclear cells. Structural and various functional aspectsof PMN exposed to gliotoxin were studied.Results:Gliotoxin at (1 μg/mL) did not affect the viability but did diminish PMN chemotaxis andreduced their ability to ingest particles. Other functional aberrations included decreased nitrobluetetrazolium dye reduction, decreased superoxide production, and release of lactoferrin suggestingby degranulation. Gliotoxin also affected the ability of PMN to killEscherichia coli.Conclusions:This study suggests a previously unrecognized potential virulence factor ofC. albicansthat could contribute to persistence of yeast colonization or recurrence of symptomatic infectionthrough diminished host resistance.

[学科分类] 妇产科学