Aimless mutants of Cryptococcus neoformans: Failure to disseminate

► C. neoformans causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis in people with HIV/AIDS. ► Dissemination of the fungus from the lung to the brain is poorly understood. ► A variety of diverse functions influence virulence and the dissemination process. ► Animal models and in vitro assays are critical for evaluating dissemination factors. ► Cell wall melanin and specific enzymes are key factors in egress from the lung.