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The complex roles of NADPH oxidases in fungal infection

Deborah Hogan1, Robert T Wheeler

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA.

Cellular Microbiology
|June 7, 2014
PubMed

Insights

NADPH oxidases regulate immunity beyond ROS production, impacting fungal infections. Understanding these diverse roles in immune signaling is crucial for combating pathogens like Candida and Aspergillus.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology and Microbiology
  • Cellular Signaling
  • Redox Biology

Background:

  • NADPH oxidases (NOX) are critical in immunity, traditionally known for producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) for microbial killing.
  • Recent research reveals NOX and ROS signaling have diverse, non-microbicidal roles in inflammation and immunity.
  • Fungal infections caused by Candida, Aspergillus, and Cryptococcus are significantly influenced by NOX activity and host immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of NADPH oxidase activity in fungal infections.
  • To explore how reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling impacts fungal physiology.
  • To highlight the importance of NOX in various immune processes during infection.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent advances in NADPH oxidase research related to fungal infections.
  • Analysis of studies investigating ROS signaling in fungal physiology.
  • Synthesis of findings on NOX involvement in immune cell functions.

Main Results:

  • NADPH oxidase activity influences disease outcomes in human fungal infections.
  • ROS signaling plays a diverse role in immune responses beyond direct pathogen killing.
  • NOX is implicated in immune migration, pulmonary immunoregulation, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, autophagy, and inflammasome activity.
  • Spatiotemporally controlled redox regulation is a key mechanism in infection response.

Conclusions:

  • NADPH oxidase activity has critical, diverse roles in immunity and inflammation, extending beyond ROS production.
  • Understanding NOX and ROS signaling is vital for developing strategies against fungal pathogens.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular consequences of NOX activity in cellular contexts during infection.

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