The uptake of cryptococci by phagocytes in vitro is enhanced by the presence of antibody and/or complement as opsonin. Opsonin provides an adapter between receptors on phagocytes and the surface of the microorganism. The Fc receptors on macrophages and dendritic cells bind to the constant region of antibody and the binding of a sufficient cluster of Fc receptors activates actin mediated uptake of the microorganism. Fc receptor signalling does not only lead to uptake but also can modulate the activation and signalling state of the phagocyte. Recently, a polymorphism in the antibody binding receptor, Fc gamma receptor 3A (FcGR3A), has been identified as a risk factor for male, HIV infected individuals (Rohatgi et al., 2013). Increased IgG complexes found in HIV infected individuals, combined with the FcGR3A polymorphism having a higher affinity for these immune complexes, may result in increased phagocytosis, and therefore greater intracellular proliferation and spread within the host. A second polymorphism has also been identified in FcγRIIB in a non HIV cryptococcal meningitis cohort (Zhu et al., seminar presentation 3.1, ICCC9; Hu et al., 2012).