Interactions of fungi with phagocytes
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2026
08:52
Live-cell Video Microscopy of Fungal Pathogen Phagocytosis
Published on: January 9, 2013
Michael K Mansour1, Stuart M Levitz
1The Department of Microbiology and the Immunology Training Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Room X626, 650 Albany Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA. mansour@bu.edu
Current Opinion in Microbiology
|August 6, 2002
Abstract:
Recent advances have broadened our knowledge of the unique role that dendritic cells, macrophages and neutrophils play in protecting the host against fungal infections and the mechanisms by which fungal pathogens attempt to subvert phagocytic defenses. In this article, the interplay between phagocytes and fungi is reviewed.
Insights
This review covers how immune cells like dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils defend against fungal infections. It also explores fungal strategies to overcome these crucial phagocytic defenses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Fungal infections pose a significant threat to host health.
- Phagocytic cells, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils, are critical for antifungal immunity.
- Fungal pathogens have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to evade immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the host-pathogen interactions between fungi and phagocytes.
- To highlight the specific roles of dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils in antifungal defense.
- To examine the strategies employed by fungal pathogens to counteract phagocytic activity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advances in fungal immunology and host-pathogen interactions.
- Synthesis of information on the functions of key immune cells in combating fungal infections.
- Analysis of mechanisms of fungal immune evasion.
Main Results:
- Dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils exhibit distinct yet complementary roles in recognizing and eliminating fungal pathogens.
- Fungal pathogens utilize diverse strategies, such as capsule formation and enzyme secretion, to resist phagocytosis and intracellular killing.
- Understanding these interactions is key to developing effective antifungal therapies.
Conclusions:
- The intricate interplay between phagocytes and fungi dictates the outcome of antifungal immunity.
- Targeting fungal immune evasion mechanisms presents a promising avenue for novel therapeutic interventions.
- Continued research into phagocyte-pathogen dynamics is essential for advancing antifungal strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
01:17Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
01:25Microbial Interactions: Mutualism
Mutualism is a symbiotic interaction in which all participating organisms benefit. These relationships can be obligate or facultative and are fundamental to ecosystem functions across diverse biological systems.Plant–Fungi MutualismOne well-known example is the association between plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi, such as Rhizophagus species. The fungal hyphae penetrate the root hairs and the epidermis, forming an extensive hyphal network that establishes a symbiotic association. Through this...
01:29Overview of Fungi
Fungi are a diverse group of eukaryotes more closely related to animals than other eukaryotes. Fungal cell walls comprise chitin, a polysaccharide that provides structural strength, and glucans, which contribute to flexibility and integrity. Other polysaccharides, such as mannans and galactosans, may supplement or replace chitin in some fungi. These adaptations, along with their preference for acidic environments and tolerance for high osmotic pressure, enable fungi to thrive in various...
01:26Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota
Basidiomycota is a diverse phylum of fungi that includes ecologically significant decomposers such as white rot fungi, symbionts like mycorrhizal fungi, plant pathogens such as rusts and smuts, and edible species like Agaricus bisporus (the common button mushroom). These fungi play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, and even human health. Their defining feature is the basidium, a microscopic club-shaped structure responsible for producing basidiospores.Fruiting Bodies...
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...