It takes a village: Phagocytes play a central role in fungal immunity

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Mycology

Background:

• Phagocytosis is a key innate immune mechanism against fungal infections.
• Professional phagocytes (macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells) are vital for pathogen clearance and immune activation.
• Non-professional phagocytes, like airway epithelial cells, are increasingly recognized for their role in fungal elimination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in phagocytosis by professional and non-professional phagocytes against fungal pathogens.
• To highlight the critical role of phagocytic cells in invasive fungal infections, using invasive aspergillosis as a model.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent research on phagocytosis in fungal infections.
• Focus on studies investigating both professional and non-professional phagocytic cells.
• Analysis of invasive aspergillosis as a representative disease model.

Main Results:

• Professional phagocytes are indispensable for host defense against invasive fungal infections.
• Non-professional phagocytes contribute significantly to fungal pathogen elimination.
• Phagocytosis by diverse cell types is essential for controlling fungal diseases.

Conclusions:

• Phagocytosis by both professional and non-professional immune cells is critical for innate immunity against fungi.
• Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing new therapeutic strategies against invasive fungal infections like aspergillosis.