Grant: Doctoral Research Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungal pathogen, causes one of the most prevalent fungal diseases in people with compromised immune systems and accounts for ~15% of AIDS-associated deaths worldwide. With a rise in the frequency of life-threatening fungal infections, a dire need for the development of novel antifungal drugs and improved diagnostics has emerged. Previous research has demonstrated that C. neoformans cells lacking polyphosphate (polyP), a phosphorus storage molecule, display an altered cell surface architecture and an increased proliferation in the lung tissue of infected mice compared to wild-type cells. PolyP is known to be an important determinant of virulence in many pathogens. Based on these observations, the goal of this study is to understand and define the role polyP plays in modulating the host immune system and contributing to Cryptococcal disease. The impact on host immune responses will be assessed by investigating immune cell recruitment, lung colonization, fungal burden as well as various other in vitro characteristics and factors exhibited by C. neoformans cells. The results of this study will provide fundamental knowledge for developing new antifungal therapies. Furthermore, this study will provide insight into the pathogenesis of C. neoformans and its interactions with the host immune system.