Role of Dectin-2 for Host Defense against Systemic Infection with Candida glabrata
ABSTRACTAlthoughCandida glabratais an important pathogenicCandidaspecies, relatively little is known about its innate immune recognition. Here, we explore the potential role of Dectin-2 for host defense againstC. glabrata. Dectin-2-deficient (Dectin-2−/−) mice were found to be more susceptible toC. glabratainfections, showing a defective fungal clearance in kidneys but not in the liver. The increased susceptibility to infection was accompanied by lower production of T helper 1 (Th1) and Th17-derived cytokines by splenocytes of Dectin-2−/−mice, while macrophage-derived cytokines were less affected. These defects were associated with a moderate yet significant decrease in phagocytosis of the fungus by the Dectin-2−/−macrophages and neutrophils. Neutrophils of Dectin-2−/−mice also displayed lower production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon challenge with opsonizedC. glabrataorC. albicans. This study suggests that Dectin-2 is important in host defense againstC. glabrataand provides new insights into the host defense mechanisms against this important fungal pathogen.