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Endosomal sensing of fungi: current understanding and emerging concepts

Amelia Bercusson1, Leon de Boer1, Darius Armstrong-James2

  • 1Fungal Pathogens Laboratory, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London UK SW7 6NP.

Medical Mycology
|September 7, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Mammalian cells use endosomal sensing to detect fungal pathogens, a critical part of the innate immune system. Understanding how this sensing system works is vital for combating fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Endosomal sensing is a key mammalian cellular defense against pathogens.
  • Fungal pathogens are often phagocytosed by innate immune cells.
  • The mechanisms of fungal detection by endosomal sensing and subsequent immune responses are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on endosomal sensing of fungal pathogens.
  • To highlight the importance of endosomal sensing in the innate immune response to fungi.
  • To focus on the role of the myeloid compartment in this process.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of endosomal sensing and fungal immunity.
  • Synthesis of existing research on innate immune detection of fungi.
  • Focus on myeloid cell responses to fungal pathogens.

Main Results:

  • Endosomal sensing is crucial for recognizing and controlling fungal infections.
  • Fungal pathogens have evolved mechanisms to evade endosomal killing.
  • The myeloid compartment plays a central role in endosomal sensing of fungi.

Conclusions:

  • Further research into endosomal sensing of fungi is essential for understanding host defense.
  • Elucidating these pathways can lead to novel therapeutic strategies against fungal diseases.
  • This review consolidates current understanding and identifies knowledge gaps in fungal endosomal sensing.
Keywords:
endosomalfungisignalling

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