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C-Type Lectin Receptors in Antifungal Immunity
Christina Nikolakopoulou1,2, Janet A Willment1,2, Gordon D Brown3,4
1Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|March 11, 2020
Summary
The immune system uses C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) to detect dangerous fungi like Candida and Aspergillus. These pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are crucial for mounting effective antifungal defenses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Fungi can cause severe infections in immunocompromised individuals.
- The immune system distinguishes fungi via conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs).
- Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) mediate the sensing of fungal PAMPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) in host defense against major fungal pathogens.
- To highlight CLRs involved in recognizing Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Pneumocystis jirovecii.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on CLRs and fungal recognition.
- Focus on the interaction between CLRs and fungal cell wall components.
- Analysis of immune responses elicited by CLR-fungal interactions.
Main Results:
- CLRs are key PRRs for detecting fungal PAMPs.
- CLR engagement triggers innate and adaptive immune responses against fungi.
- Specific CLRs are involved in the recognition of major human fungal pathogens.
Conclusions:
- CLRs play a critical role in antifungal immunity.
- Understanding CLR function is essential for developing host-directed therapies against invasive fungal infections.
- Targeting CLRs offers a potential strategy for enhancing host defense against opportunistic fungal pathogens.
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