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Genetic Susceptibility to Fungal Infections in Humans

Michail S Lionakis1

  • 1Clinical Mycology Unit, Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

Current Fungal Infection Reports
|October 23, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Genetic defects in immune function can lead to severe fungal infections like chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) and invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in otherwise healthy individuals. This review explores recent findings on these genetic and immunologic factors.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Fungal infections typically occur in immunocompromised individuals (e.g., HIV, iatrogenic immunosuppression).
  • In healthy hosts, fungi usually cause mild, self-limiting mucocutaneous infections.
  • Persistent or invasive fungal infections in healthy individuals suggest underlying immune dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding genetic and immunologic factors influencing fungal infection risk.
  • To critically discuss the role of innate and adaptive immune dysfunction in chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) and invasive fungal infections (IFIs).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent developments in genetics and immunology related to fungal infections.
  • Critical analysis of studies investigating genetic defects and immune dysfunction.

Main Results:

  • Identified genetic defects as a key cause of susceptibility to fungal infections in non-immunocompromised hosts.
  • Highlighted the link between specific immune dysfunctions and the development of CMC and IFIs.
  • Discussed recent findings on the interplay of genetic and immunologic factors.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic defects leading to innate or adaptive immune dysfunction are critical in the pathogenesis of CMC and IFIs in "normal" hosts.
  • Further research into these genetic and immunologic factors is essential for understanding and managing fungal infections.

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