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New advances in understanding the host immune response to Pneumocystis

J Claire Hoving1, Jay K Kolls2

  • 1Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Current Opinion in Microbiology
|November 15, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) affects immunocompromised individuals. Recent advances in genomics and host factors are improving our understanding of this fungal pathogen and identifying at-risk populations.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunocompromised Host Research

Background:

  • Pneumocystis jirovecii is an opportunistic fungal pathogen causing pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals.
  • The inability to cultivate Pneumocystis jirovecii in vitro has historically limited research into its pathogenesis and impact.
  • Understanding risk factors is crucial for managing Pneumocystis infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding Pneumocystis jirovecii infections.
  • To highlight the impact of genomic data and host genetics on Pneumocystis research.
  • To identify populations at risk for Pneumocystis pneumonia and future research directions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on Pneumocystis jirovecii.
  • Analysis of genomic data and host genetic factors.
  • Examination of experimental models of Pneumocystis pneumonia.

Main Results:

  • Advances in Pneumocystis jirovecii genomics provide new insights into its biology.
  • Host genetics and other risk factors are better defined, aiding in identifying susceptible populations.
  • Robust experimental models facilitate the study of Pneumocystis pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Recent breakthroughs are enhancing the understanding of Pneumocystis jirovecii as a significant fungal pathogen.
  • Improved knowledge of host-pathogen interactions and risk factors will aid in clinical management.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the impact of Pneumocystis and optimize treatment strategies.

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