Virulence factors of Cryptococcus neoformans.

Cryptococcosis is a serious fungal disease in patients with AIDS or other defects in T-cell-mediated host defenses. Cryptococcus neoformans produces several virulence factors, most notably the polysaccharide capsule and phenol oxidase. Molecular studies of cryptococcal virulence factors have contributed to our understanding of the pathobiology of this yeast, and will enable the identification of new targets for antifungal therapy.