Background.- Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated fungus and is a significant human pathogen. In this review the current knowledge of host-fungus interactions is discussed and the characteristics it must possess to enter the host and establish progressive disease; such as the polysaccharide capsule, melanin production, mannitol secretion, superoxide dismutase, proteases and phospholipases and it is emphasized the relationship between a study of experimental cryptococcosis done by authors to obtain large encapsulated yeast cells.* Anahtar Kelimeler: Cryptococcus neoformans, virülens faktörleri, kapsül, melanin, mannitol, proteazlar, fosfolipazlar* Key Words: Cryptococcus neoformans, virulence factors, capsule, melanin, mannitol, proteases, phospholipases