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Immunoregulation of dermatophytosis
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical Mycology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, England.
Critical Reviews in Microbiology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Cell-mediated immunity is critical for fighting dermatophytosis (fungal skin infections). Resistance develops with delayed-type hypersensitivity, while impaired immunity increases susceptibility to chronic fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Dermatophytoses are superficial fungal infections affecting keratinized tissues.
- Impaired immune function leads to increased susceptibility to chronic dermatophyte infections.
- Both humoral and cell-mediated immunity are involved in the host response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cellular events in immunity to dermatophytosis.
- To discuss the role of humoral factors in immunoregulation of fungal infections.
- To highlight the critical role of cell-mediated immunity in resistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of published literature and current research.
- Analysis of immune responses in naturally and experimentally infected hosts.
- Discussion of humoral and cell-mediated immune mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Specific antibodies do not appear to be protective against dermatophytes.
- Cell-mediated immunity, particularly delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), is crucial for resistance.
- Resolution of infection correlates with DTH development; persistence with poor DTH and blastogenic response.
Conclusions:
- Cell-mediated immunity is the primary mechanism of protection against dermatophytosis.
- Adoptive transfer of lymphoid cells, not serum, confers immunity in experimental models.
- Understanding these immune events is key to managing fungal skin infections.