[Host defense mechanisms against fungal infections]

Recent advances in the research on host defense mechanisms against infections with Candida and Aspergillus were reviewed. Modes of the defense mechanisms were divided into three phases by thedifferent physiological circumstances surrounding the fungi: 1, the exocrine fluid in which fungi exist on the mucosal membranes; 2, the tissues invaded by fungi with the circulating blood; and 3, the limited lesions where fungi continue to be alive with a restricted blood flow. In each defense mechanism, theroles of the endogenous antifungal substances such as lactoferrin, defensins and calprotectin and leukocytes were discussed.