E-cadherin mediates adhesion and endocytosis of Aspergillus fumigatus blastospores in human epithelial cells / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

ABSTRACT

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is a ubiquitous saprophytic fungus responsible for the majority of invasive mold infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplantation or with persistent neutropenia. This study aimed to determine the role of E-cadherin for adhesion and endocytosis of A. fumigatus blastospores in the human epithelial cell line A549.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A. fumigatus blastospores were incubated with the total protein of A549 to investigate the binding of E-cadherin and blastospores followed by an affinity purification procedure. After establishing the adhesion model, the adhesion and endocytosis of A. fumigatus blastospores by A549 cells were evaluated by down-regulating E-cadherin of A549 cells using blocking antibody or small interfering RNA (siRNA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>E-cadherin was adhered to the surface of A. fumigatus blastospore. Adhesion and endocytosis of the blastospores were reduced by blocking or down-regulating E-cadherin in A549 cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>E-cadherin is a receptor for adhesion and endocytosis of A. fumigatus blastospores in epithelial cells. This may open a new approach to treat this fungal infection.</p>