Figure 7 | Scientific Reports

Figure 7

From: Deficiency of lung-specific claudin-18 leads to aggravated infection with Cryptococcus deneoformans through dysregulation of the microenvironment in lungs

Figure 7

Summary of the role of luCldn-18 in host defense against infection with C. deneoformans. luCldn-18 deficiency induces acidification and high K+ ion concentration in the alveolar space. Alveolar acidification and high K+ ion concentrations inhibit the activation of T cells in response to cryptococcal infection and thereby suppress granuloma formation. In addition, the increased replication efficiency of this fungus at low pH values increases the fungal burden in luCldn-18-deficient mice. Consequently, luCldn-18 indirectly helps prevent cryptococcal infection by maintaining homeostasis of the alveolar space microenvironment. AVSE, alveolar subphase fluid. TJ, tight junction. AMφ, alveolar macrophages. AT1, alveolar type I cells. AT2, alveolar type II cells. This image was drawn by Ko Sato.

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