Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 16, 2025

Assessing Anti-fungal Activity of Isolated Alveolar Macrophages by Confocal Microscopy
Published on: July 9, 2014
Soluble mediators in anti-fungal immunity
Sarah Dellière1, Sarah Sze Wah Wong2, Vishukumar Aimanianda2
1Institut Pasteur, Molecular Mycology Unit, UMR2000, CNRS, Paris, France; Parasitology-Mycoloy Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Louis-Lariboisière-Fernand-Widal, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Although soluble mediators of our innate immune system have a substantial impact on invading microbes, their role against fungal pathogens has been underexplored. Constituting the humoral immunity, soluble mediators comprise the complement system, collectins, acute-phase proteins, antibodies and antimicrobial peptides. These components can prevent fungal infection either by directly interacting with invading microbes, leading to their aggregation (microbistatic), destruction (microbicidal) or linking them to cellular immunity. The composition of soluble-mediator varies with human body-fluids, resulting in different antifungal mechanisms. Moreover, cellular immune system deploys both oxidative and non-oxidative mechanisms to destroy extracellular or internalized fungal pathogens; however, cellular immune activation is mainly influenced as well as regulated by soluble mediators. This review outlines the antifungal mechanism employed, directly or indirectly, by soluble mediators, and in response, the evading strategies of the fungal pathogens.
Related Concept Videos
Antimicrobial Proteins
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells

