Human inborn errors of immunity underlying superficial or invasive candidiasis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Medical Mycology
• Genetics

Background:

• Candida species cause superficial and invasive infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
• The underlying molecular mechanisms in at-risk patients were poorly understood.
• Inborn errors of immunity have shed light on these infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review inborn errors of immunity linked to candidiasis.
• To discuss their contribution to understanding anti-Candida immunity.
• To elucidate mechanisms of superficial and invasive candidiasis.

Main Methods:

• Review of genetic and immunological studies.
• Analysis of patients with inborn errors of immunity.
• Correlation of genetic defects with clinical manifestations of candidiasis.

Main Results:

• Inborn errors of IL-17 immunity cause chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC).
• Inborn errors of CARD9 immunity are associated with invasive candidiasis.
• These studies identified critical pathways for anti-Candida defense.

Conclusions:

• Inborn errors of immunity are crucial for understanding Candida pathogenesis.
• Defects in IL-17 and CARD9 pathways highlight key mechanisms of host defense against Candida.
• This knowledge aids in managing candidiasis in diverse patient groups.