Effects of human immunoglobulin A on Cryptococcus neoformans morphology and gene expression

Abstract

Profound CD4 T cell deficiency is associated with the development of cryptococcosis in HIV-infected individuals. However, perturbations in antibody immunity, including reduced levels of plasma IgA and IgM, have also been associated with cryptococcal disease status. While IgM has been studied in some detail, IgA has not. Here, we evaluated the effect of normal human IgA on Cryptococcus neoformans biology and morphology to expand knowledge of the role that it may play in cryptococcal pathogenesis.