Publication Date
Spring 4-25-2017
School
School of Health Sciences
Major
Biology: Biomedical Sciences
Keywords
Cryptococcus neoformans, Virulence
Disciplines
Pathogenic Microbiology
Recommended Citation
Nickish, Kirk, "Non-Capsular Virulence Factors of Cryptococcus neoformans" (2017). Senior Honors Theses. 678.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/678
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an emerging pathogen that kills hundreds of thousands every year, especially in underdeveloped areas with little access to modern medical care. New treatments for the disease are needed to shorten treatment and decrease the side effects and costs associated with the drugs currently in use. Many C. neoformans genes have been identified that are necessary for full virulence in the host. Cir1, a regulatory protein associated with iron regulation, and Zip1, a surface zinc transporter, are both necessary for full virulence in the host. Anti-fungals targeted at these proteins or the proteins produced by other genes discussed in this paper could help treat this AIDS-defining illness more effectively.
