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Host Control of Fungal Infections: Lessons from Basic Studies and Human Cohorts

Michail S Lionakis1, Stuart M Levitz2

  • 1Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892;

Annual Review of Immunology
|December 14, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Immunocompromised individuals face increased risks of fungal infections. Understanding mammalian antifungal defenses, from mouse models and human studies, offers new therapeutic and vaccination strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Rising population of immunosuppressed patients due to AIDS and cancer treatments.
  • Increased incidence of life-threatening opportunistic fungal infections in vulnerable populations.
  • Advances in understanding genetic predispositions to fungal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review mammalian antifungal host defenses.
  • To synthesize immunological knowledge from diverse sources.
  • To inform future therapeutic and vaccination strategies against fungal infections.

Main Methods:

  • Review of basic mouse models of fungal disease.
  • Analysis of human cohort studies on inherited susceptibility to mycoses.
  • Synthesis of innate and adaptive immune mechanisms against fungi.

Main Results:

  • Expanded understanding of immune responses to fungal exposures.
  • Identification of key immune genes influencing susceptibility.
  • Insights into protective mechanisms against opportunistic fungi.

Conclusions:

  • Mammalian antifungal defenses are complex, involving both innate and adaptive immunity.
  • Mouse models and human genetic studies are crucial for understanding host-pathogen interactions.
  • Knowledge of host defenses can guide the development of novel antifungal therapies and vaccines.
Keywords:
acquired immunodeficienciesantifungal immunityfungal vaccinesfungiimmunotherapymonogenic disorders

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