Methods of Cryptococcal Polysaccharide Analysis Using ELISA

Maggie P. Wear, Scott A. McConnell, Seth D. Greengo, Livia Liporagi Lopes, Arturo Casadevall

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

One of the standard assays for the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans is the glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) ELISA. This assay utilizes monoclonal antibodies targeted against the critical virulence factor, the polysaccharide (PS) capsule. GXM ELISA is one of the most used assays in the field used for diagnosis of cryptococcal infection, quantification of PS content, and determination of binding specificity for antibodies. Here we present three variations of the GXM ELISA used by our group—indirect, capture, and competition ELISAs. We have also provided some history, perspective, and notes on these methods, which we hope will help the reader choose, and implement, the best assay for their research. While it has long been referred to as the GXM ELISA, we also suggest a name update to better reflect our updated understanding of the polysaccharide antigens targeted by this assay. The Cryptococcal PS ELISA is a more accurate description of this set of methodologies and the antigens they measure. Finally, we discuss the limitations of this assay and put forth future plans for expanding the antigens assayed by ELISA.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMethods in Molecular Biology
PublisherHumana Press Inc.
Pages239-255
Number of pages17
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

Publication series

NameMethods in Molecular Biology
Volume2775
ISSN (Print)1064-3745
ISSN (Electronic)1940-6029

Keywords

  • Antigen
  • Capsule
  • Cryptococcus
  • ELISA
  • EPS
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
  • Exopolysaccharide
  • GXM
  • Glucuronoxylomannan
  • Polysaccharide

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Methods of Cryptococcal Polysaccharide Analysis Using ELISA'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this