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Published on: February 14, 2018
Antifungal immunity in selected fungal infections
Alicja Trzeciak-Ryczek1, Beata Tokarz-Deptuła1, Wiesław Deptuła2
1Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland.
Abstract:
Fungi are omnipresent in the environment; hence they are frequent factors causing infections in humans and animals even if their immune system works correctly. These facts stimulated interest in and the will to understand the antifungal immunity mechanisms. It has been, however, evidenced that the immunological response to mycotic pathogens is related to the species and morphological form of the fungus. Nevertheless, it is assumed that always in the antifungal response, there are mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity that cooperate with one another to eliminate such pathogens. It has been evidenced that the main elements of antifungal immunity are physical barriers of the organism, phagocytosis, cytotoxicity, and possibly trogocytosis of PMN and MN cells, as well as T-cells, and to a smaller extent B-cells, the proportion of which is principally related to their products activating the processes of PMN and MN cells. An important role in this immunity also belongs to PRR, which activate the main processes of phagocytosis and cytotoxicity of PMN, MN, NK and DC cells.
Insights
Fungi infections are common, even in healthy individuals. Understanding antifungal immunity involves innate and adaptive responses, including physical barriers and various immune cells like T-cells and phagocytes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Fungi are ubiquitous environmental organisms frequently causing infections in humans and animals.
- Antifungal immune responses are complex and influenced by fungal species and morphology.
- Both innate and adaptive immunity are crucial for combating fungal pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the intricate mechanisms of antifungal immunity.
- To understand the cooperative roles of different immune components in fighting fungal infections.
- To identify key cellular and molecular players in the host defense against fungi.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on antifungal immune responses.
- Analysis of the roles of physical barriers, phagocytosis, cytotoxicity, and trogocytosis.
- Examination of the involvement of polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear (MN) cells, T-cells, and B-cells.
- Investigation of the function of Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) in activating immune cells.
Main Results:
- Antifungal immunity relies on a coordinated effort between innate and adaptive immune mechanisms.
- Key cellular components include PMN, MN, Natural Killer (NK) cells, Dendritic Cells (DC), T-cells, and B-cells.
- Physical barriers, phagocytosis, cytotoxicity, and trogocytosis are vital defense processes.
- PRRs play a critical role in initiating phagocytosis and cytotoxicity by various immune cells.
Conclusions:
- Antifungal immunity is a multifaceted process involving diverse cellular players and signaling pathways.
- The interplay between innate and adaptive immunity is essential for effective fungal clearance.
- Further research into these mechanisms can inform strategies for managing fungal infections.
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