Prof. Dr. Axel A. Brakhage (in cooperation with Prof. Zipfel)
Interference of the human pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus with the phagocytosis by macrophages

Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the most important airborne fungal pathogen. The frequency of invasive mycoses due to this opportunistic fungal pathogen has increased significantly over the past two decades. In healthy individuals, an infection with A. fumigatus is prevented due to the action of the host immune system. The innate immune system represents the first line of defense against conidia. Inhaled conidia are immediately confronted with the two effector mechanisms of the innate immune system: the complement system and phagocytes, whereas the adaptive immune system only plays a role in the onset of an infection.
Recently, we could show that A. fumigatus conidia are able to reduce the fusion of phagosomes with lysosomes in macrophages which might explain in part pathogenicity of the fungus (1). Furthermore, A. fumigatus is apparently able to evade the effects of the activated complement system (2).
The aim of this project is to understand the mechanism of interference of A. fumigatus with the fusion of phagosomes with lysosomes and to further characterise the interaction of the human complement system with A. fumigatus.

References
1. Jahn, B., K. Langfelder, U. Schneider, C. Schindel and A. A. Brakhage (2002) PKSP dependent reduction of phagolysosome fusion and intracellular kill of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia by human macrophages. Cellular Microbiology 4: 793-804
2. Behnsen, J., A. Hartmann, J. Schmaler, A. Gehrke, A. A. Brakhage and P. F. Zipfel (2008) The opportunistic human pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus evades the host complement system. Infection and Immunity 76: 820-827

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