Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Whole Blood Assay with Dual Co-Stimulation for Antigen-Specific Analysis of Host Immunity to Fungal and Viral Pathogens
Published on: September 20, 2024
Immune reconstitution syndrome and fungal infections
1Division of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
Fungal infections-related immune reconstitution syndrome (IRS) poses challenging diagnostic and management issues in immunocompromised hosts. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding its pathophysiologic basis, presentation, and treatment strategies.
Recent Findings:
Existing evidence suggests that IRS is a state of an imbalance between protective immunity and inflammatory pathology versus anti-inflammatory responses that restrain inflammation. IRS has been observed in diverse hosts including HIV-infected patients initiating potent antiretroviral therapy, transplant recipients, pregnant women, and recipients of iatrogenic biologic agents. Among the most common fungal infections associated with IRS is cryptococcosis, although this entity has been documented during the course of invasive aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, and candidiasis. Unique risk factors for IRS have been recognized in specific hosts.
Summary:
IRS is a culmination of immunologic sequelae of host-pathogen interaction during evolution of an opportunistic infection, and as such the development of biomarkers that differentiate it from progressive disease would represent an important advance. Optimal management of immunosuppression and immunomodulatory approaches that target precise regulatory pathways for IRS warrant future investigations.
Related Concept Videos
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
