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NK Cells and Their Role in Invasive Mold Infection

Stanislaw Schmidt1, Annalisa Condorelli2,3, Antonia Koltze4

  • 1Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt 60590, Germany. Stanislaw.Schmidt@kgu.de.

Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 27, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Natural Killer (NK) cells show antifungal activity against molds in lab studies. These immune cells use molecules like perforin and release cytokines, but human clinical data on their effectiveness is limited.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Natural Killer (NK) cells demonstrate in vitro antifungal activity against Aspergillus and other molds.
  • NK cell-derived molecules, notably perforin, are implicated in this antifungal action.
  • NK cells secrete cytokines that modulate innate and adaptive immunity during fungal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence for Natural Killer (NK) cell antifungal activity.
  • To explore the mechanisms underlying NK cell-mediated fungal clearance.
  • To highlight the gap in clinical data regarding NK cell function in fungal infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of in vitro studies on NK cell antifungal activity.
  • Analysis of experimental data from animal models of fungal infections.
  • Evaluation of existing clinical case reports and studies.

Main Results:

  • Consistent in vitro evidence supports NK cell activity against various molds.
  • Perforin and cytokine release are key mechanisms in NK cell-mediated fungal killing.
  • Animal studies corroborate in vitro findings, but human clinical data remains scarce.

Conclusions:

  • NK cells possess significant in vitro and in vivo antifungal potential.
  • Further clinical research is needed to validate the therapeutic role of NK cells in human fungal infections.
  • Understanding NK cell-fungal interactions can inform novel immunotherapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
NK cellshost fungus interactionslymphocytesmold infection

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