Table II.
Primary function of C. neoformans antioxidant factors against host innate immune cells.
| Antioxidant factor | Function against host innate immune cells | (Refs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Polysaccharide capsules | Inhibition of phagocytosis and resistance to phagosome digestion | (27–34) |
| Melanins | Scavenging ROS and reactive nitrogen intermediates | (27,34–37) |
| Phospholipases | Promotion of survival and replication in macrophages | (38–40) |
| Proteinase | Promotion of replication in macrophages and damage to phagosomal membranes | (41,42) |
| Ureases | Scavenging nitrogen | (33–35,43–45) |
| Peroxiredoxins | Metabolism of peroxides and/or peroxynitrite | (46–48) |
| Thioredoxins, glutaredoxins | Metabolism of ROS, reduction of oxidized sulfhydryl groups and maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis | (46,49–54) |
| (46,49,58–60) | ||
| Superoxide dismutases | Conversion of superoxide to hydrogen peroxide | (15,61–63) |
| Catalases | Conversion of hydrogen peroxide to water and molecular oxygen | (64) |
| Cytochrome c peroxidases | Degradation of hydrogen peroxide | (65) |
| Alternative oxidase genes | Interaction with the classic oxidative pathway | (66) |
ROS, reactive oxygen species.