About
Matthias Brock – University of Nottingham – UK
Among the about 350 Aspergillus species Aspergillus fumigatus causes about 80% of all cases of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. Therefore, most virulence studies have focused on the investigation of pathogenicity determinants specifically of this fungal species. Invasive bronchopulmonary aspergillosis caused by A. fumigatus is characterised by rapid disease progression and severe local lung tissue damage. In contrast, the closely related fungus Aspergillus terreus only causes about 8 -12% of infections, but these are frequently accompanied by high dissemination rates with mortality rates of more than 90%. In vivo imaging of infection in murine model systems revealed striking differences among A. fumigatus and A. terreus in disease establishment and progression. Subsequent studies on both fungi depict differences in fungal physiology and immune interactions that provide hints for an adaptation towards a hit and escape strategy for A. fumigatus, whereas A. terreus has specifically adapted to a sit and wait strategy.
Website : https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/life-sciences/people/matthias.brock
Contact : Thierry Fontaine (thierry.fontaine@pasteur.fr)