A2: Microbes in the News Post 2
Copycat fungus deceives immune system and deactivates body’s response to infection. Science Daily, March 28, 2019.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190328150745.htm
Summary: Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungi that is very dangerous for immune compromised people is able to send out a signal to weaken immune response. This pathway in humans is intended to prevent an overreaction by the immune system by effectively deactivating immune cells.
Connections: We are currently covering the immune system and pathogens in class.
Critical Analysis: I was interested in this story because we are currently covering the immune system in class. The story was written by a sight that regularly covers news in the science world. It was able to effectively turn what was a far more technical research paper into something most people can understand.
Would it be possible for a drug to block this pathway to bolster the immune system?