Deletion of the two-component histidine kinase gene (CHK1) of Candida albicans contributes to enhanced growth inhibition and killing by human neutrophils in vitro

Infect Immun. 2002 Feb;70(2):985-7. doi: 10.1128/IAI.70.2.985-987.2002.

Abstract

We have observed that human neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes [PMNs]) have an increased growth-inhibitory and killing effect on a strain of Candida albicans with a deletion of CHK1, a gene encoding a putative histidine kinase. The PMN effect was not due to increased phagocytosis of the null strain. This observation may partially explain the reduced virulence in a hematogenously disseminated murine model of candidiasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Candida albicans / enzymology*
  • Candida albicans / immunology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / pharmacology
  • Histidine Kinase
  • Humans
  • Neutrophils / cytology
  • Neutrophils / immunology*
  • Neutrophils / microbiology
  • Phagocytosis / immunology*
  • Protein Kinases / immunology*

Substances

  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • Protein Kinases
  • Histidine Kinase