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Published on: November 6, 2020
Immunology of fungal infections: lessons learned from animal models
1Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.
Abstract:
The continuing AIDS epidemic coupled with increased usage of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent organ rejection or treat autoimmune diseases has resulted in an increase in individuals at risk for acquiring fungal diseases. These concerns highlight the need to elucidate mechanisms of inducing protective immune responses against fungal pathogens. Consequently, several experimental models of human mycoses have been developed to study these diseases. The availability of transgenic animal models allows for in-depth analysis of specific components, receptors, and signaling pathways that elicit protection against fungal diseases. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of immune responses to fungal infections gained using animal models.
Insights
Understanding fungal infections is crucial due to rising risks from AIDS and immunosuppressive drugs. Animal models help reveal how to build protective immune responses against these dangerous fungal pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Increased incidence of fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals (e.g., AIDS patients, organ transplant recipients).
- Growing use of immunosuppressive drugs heightens susceptibility to opportunistic fungal diseases.
- Need for better understanding of host immune responses to fungal pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding immune responses to fungal infections.
- To highlight the utility of animal models in studying fungal diseases.
- To explore mechanisms of protective immunity against fungal pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental models, particularly transgenic animal models, for studying human mycoses.
- Analysis of specific immune components, receptors, and signaling pathways involved in fungal defense.
- Synthesis of recent findings on immune responses to fungal infections.
Main Results:
- Animal models provide powerful tools for dissecting complex immune mechanisms against fungi.
- Transgenic models enable detailed investigation of protective immune responses.
- Advances in understanding immune evasion strategies employed by fungal pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Animal models are essential for elucidating protective immunity against fungal infections.
- Further research using these models can guide development of novel antifungal therapies and vaccines.
- Understanding immune responses is key to combating the rising threat of fungal diseases.
