Host Interactions

Cryptococcal cells thrive both inside and outside of host cells. We are interested in how this fungal pathogen interacts with host cells during infection, with the aim of defining and potentially influencing these key events. We have used automated image-based screening to explore this area, which has opened exciting directions for our research. This strategy has led us to studies in areas ranging from host kinases to the regulation of fungal mitochondria and lipid modification of proteins. We are also investigating the fascinating question of how this pathogen crosses the blood-brain barrier to cause lethal meningitis.