E-cadherin mediates adhesion and endocytosis of Aspergillus fumigatus blastospores in human epithelial cells.

Background: Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is a ubiquitous saprophytic fungus responsible for the majority of invasive mold infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplantation or with persistent neutropenia. This study aimed to determine the role of E-cadherin for adhesion and endocytosis of A. fumigatus blastospores in the human epithelial cell line A549.
Methods: A. fumigatus blastospores were incubated with the total protein of A549 to investigate the binding of E-cadherin and blastospores followed by an affinity purification procedure. After establishing the adhesion model, the adhesion and endocytosis of A. fumigatus blastospores by A549 cells were evaluated by down-regulating E-cadherin of A549 cells using blocking antibody or small interfering RNA (siRNA).
Results: E-cadherin was adhered to the surface of A. fumigatus blastospore. Adhesion and endocytosis of the blastospores were reduced by blocking or down-regulating E-cadherin in A549 cells.
Conclusions: E-cadherin is a receptor for adhesion and endocytosis of A. fumigatus blastospores in epithelial cells. This may open a new approach to treat this fungal infection.