Unusual galactofuranose modification of a capsule polysaccharide in the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans

Background: Galactofuranose, the five-membered ring form of galactose, occurs in the encapsulated pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans but not in humans. Results: We established the position of galactofuranose within a capsule polysaccharide and characterized cryptococci lacking this modification. Conclusion: Galactofuranose occurs in an unusual linkage but is not required for growth or virulence. Significance: This work fills a gap in knowledge about a pathogen-specific modification.