Macrophage-Cryptococcus interactions.

Abstract

Macrophages are a heterogeneous population that vary depending on their species of origin, anatomic location, state of activation, and conditions of culture. Moreover, macrophages normally interact with other cells both within and without the immune system. It is clear from the data reviewed in this chapter that all of these aforementioned variables greatly influence macrophage-C. neoformans interactions. While circumstantial evidence strongly supports a major role for the macrophage in host defenses against cryptococcosis, the nature and extent of the contribution macrophages make remain to be defined. One major challenge for researchers in this field will be to design experiments that closely mimic what occurs in human physiological and pathological states.