Cryptococcus neoformansIII. Inhibition of Phagocytosis

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Abstract
Isolated nonhydrolyzed cryptococcal polysaccharide is a rather specific potent inhibitor of the phagocytosis ofCryptococcus neoformansby human leukocytes in vitro. When an encapsulated strain ofC. neoformanswas cultured in the nonencapsulated state, the rate of phagocytosis was three times greater than when the encapsulated form was used. Our theory that capsular material plays a role in the pathogenesis of cryptococcosis requires (i) thatC. neoformansexist in soil in a nonencapsulated state and (ii) that human phagocytes be capable of killing the organisms.