Acid Phosphatase Release from Intact Phagocytic Cells Surrounding a Large-Sized Parasite

Summary

Cryptococcus neoformans is a parasite, too large (>70 μ) to be phagocytosed by leukocytes. Under suitable conditions polymorphonuclear and/or mononuclear cells surround the yeast cells, forming a ring-like structure. It was found that acid phosphatase, originating from the leukocytes within the ring, penetrated the enclosed yeast. The enzyme release was not accompanied by destruction of the leukocytes, which remained active and capable of phagocytosing bacteria.