Advances in Cryptococcus neoformans capsule as a virulence factor

Cryptococcus neoformans is an important conditional pathogenic fungus and capsule is widely acknowledged to be a key virulence factor of it. It has been proved that capsule posseses antiphagocytosis acitivity, and plays an essential role in the dissemination of C. neoformans infection and induction of apoptosis in host cells. The review describes the roles of capsule in antiphagocytic process and dissemination of C. neoformans infection, which will help to better understand the pathogenic mechanism of cryptococcosis and to provide new therapeutic targets for cryptococcosis. Key words: Cryptococcus neoformans;  Capsules;  Virulence