OBJECTIVETo study the effect of HIV-1 gp41 ectodomain (gp41-I90) on the cytoskeletal changes in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) induced by Cryptococcus neoformans.

METHODSHBMECs were cultured on collagen-coated chamber slide or transwell to allow the formation of cell monolayers. After pre-treatment with gp41-I90 and infection with Cryptococcus neoformans, the HBMECs were examined for the expression of actin or filamin by immunofluorescence assay. HRP permeability of the HBMECs treated with gp41-I90 was detected by ELISA. Transcytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans through the gp41-I90-treated HBMECs was detected by direct counting from a hemocytometer.

RESULTSgp41-I90 obviously enhanced the cytoskeletal changes of the HBMECs infected by Cryptococcus neoformans, causing curved and sparse filamentous arrangement of actin and filamin. gp41-I90 treatment also resulted in obviously increased HRP permeability of the cells and transcytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans.

CONCLUSIONgp41- I90 enhances Cryptococcus neoformans binding to HBMECs, which is related to its effect in enhancing Cryptococcus neoformans-induced cytoskeletal changes of the cells.

Brain ; blood supply ; Cells, Cultured ; Cryptococcosis ; pathology ; Cryptococcus neoformans ; pathogenicity ; Cytoskeleton ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; microbiology ; Endothelium, Vascular ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; HIV Envelope Protein gp41 ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Microcirculation