Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026
Application of Long-term cultured Interferon-γ Enzyme-linked Immunospot Assay for Assessing Effector and Memory T Cell Responses in Cattle
Published on: July 11, 2015
Immune Response to Coccidioidomycosis and the Development of a Vaccine
Natalia Castro-Lopez1, Chiung-Yu Hung2,3
1Department of Biology and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA. jpm915@my.utsa.edu.
Abstract:
Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides posadasii and Coccidioides immitis. It is estimated that 150,000 new infections occur in the United States each year. The incidence of this infection continues to rise in endemic regions. There is an urgent need for the development of better therapeutic drugs and a vaccine against coccidioidomycosis. This review discusses the features of host innate and adaptive immune responses to Coccidioides infection. The focus is on the recent advances in the immune response and host-pathogen interactions, including the recognition of spherules by the host and defining the signal pathways that guide the development of the adaptive T-cell response to Coccidioides infection. Also discussed is an update on progress in developing a vaccine against these fungal pathogens.
Insights
Coccidioidomycosis, a fungal infection, is rising in the US. This review details immune responses and advances in vaccines and therapeutics for this serious disease.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by *Coccidioides posadasii* and *Coccidioides immitis*.
- An estimated 150,000 new infections occur annually in the US, with rising incidence in endemic areas.
- There is a critical need for improved therapeutics and a vaccine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review host immune responses to *Coccidioides* infection.
- To highlight recent advances in understanding host-pathogen interactions.
- To provide an update on vaccine development.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes current literature on coccidioidomycosis immunology.
- Focuses on innate and adaptive immune responses.
- Examines host recognition of fungal spherules and signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Details host recognition mechanisms for *Coccidioides* spherules.
- Defines signaling pathways crucial for T-cell response development.
- Summarizes progress in experimental vaccine strategies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding immune responses is key to developing effective treatments.
- Advances in immunology provide a foundation for new therapeutic and vaccine strategies.
- Continued research is vital to combat the increasing burden of coccidioidomycosis.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:51Vaccinations
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:23Immunological Memory
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature...
00:42Cross-reactivity
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
01:27Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...