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Antifungal innate immunity: recognition and inflammatory networks
Katharina L Becker1, Daniela C Ifrim, Jessica Quintin
1Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Geert Grooteplein Zuid 8, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
A large variety of fungi are present in the environment, among which a proportion colonizes the human body, usually without causing any harm. However, depending on the host immune status, commensals can become opportunistic pathogens that induce diseases ranging from superficial non-harmful infection to life-threatening systemic disease. The interplay between the host and the fungal commensal flora is being orchestrated by an efficient recognition of the microorganisms, which in turn ensures a proper balance between tolerance of the normal fungal flora and induction of immune defense mechanisms when invasion occurs. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) play a significant role in maintaining this balance due to their capacity to sense fungi and induce host responses such as the induction of proinflammatory cytokines involved in the activation of innate and adaptive immune responses. In the present review, we will discuss the most recent findings regarding the recognition of Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus and the different types of immune cells that play a role in antifungal host defense.
Insights
Fungi in the environment can colonize humans, sometimes causing disease. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are crucial for immune cells to recognize fungi, balancing tolerance with defense against pathogens like Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Fungi are common environmental microbes that can colonize the human body.
- Commensal fungi can transition to opportunistic pathogens, causing infections from superficial to systemic, depending on host immunity.
- Host-fungal interactions are regulated by microbial recognition, balancing tolerance with immune defense.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on the recognition of fungal pathogens by the host immune system.
- To discuss the role of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in sensing fungi.
- To highlight immune cells involved in antifungal defense against Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on fungal recognition and host defense.
- Analysis of the mechanisms by which pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) detect fungal components.
- Examination of the roles of various immune cells in combating fungal infections.
Main Results:
- Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are key sensors for fungi, initiating immune responses.
- Fungal recognition by PRRs triggers the release of proinflammatory cytokines.
- These cytokines activate both innate and adaptive immune responses crucial for controlling fungal infections.
Conclusions:
- Effective host defense against fungi relies on precise recognition mechanisms.
- Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are central to orchestrating the immune response to fungi.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for managing fungal diseases caused by Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus.
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