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Isolation and Purification of Antigenic Components of Cryptococcus

  • Protocol
Host-Pathogen Interactions

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 470))

Abstract

The encapsulated fungal pathogens Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are significant agents of life-threatening infections, particularly in persons with suppressed cell-mediated immunity. This chapter provides detailed methodology for the purification of two of the major antigen fractions of C. neoformans: glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) and mannoprotein (MP). GXM is the primary component of the polysaccharide capsule, which is the major cryptococcal virulence factor. In contrast, MPs have been identified as key antigens that stimulate T-cell responses. Purification of GXM and MP should assist investigators studying the antigenic, biochemical, and virulence properties of Cryptococcus species.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine and Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

    Karen L. Wozniak

  2. Department of Medicine and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

    Stuart M. Levitz

Authors
  1. Karen L. Wozniak
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  2. Stuart M. Levitz
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany

    Steffen Rupp  & Kai Sohn  & 

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Wozniak, K.L., Levitz, S.M. (2009). Isolation and Purification of Antigenic Components of Cryptococcus . In: Rupp, S., Sohn, K. (eds) Host-Pathogen Interactions. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 470. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-204-5_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-204-5_7

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-886-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-204-5

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