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Skin Immunity to Dermatophytes: From Experimental Infection Models to Human Disease
Verónica L Burstein1,2, Ignacio Beccacece1,2, Lorena Guasconi1,2
1Laboratorio de Parasitología y Micología Experimental. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
Abstract:
Dermatophytoses (ringworms) are among the most frequent skin infections and are a highly prevalent cause of human disease worldwide. Despite the incidence of these superficial mycoses in healthy people and the compelling evidence on chronic and deep infections in immunocompromised individuals, the mechanisms controlling dermatophyte invasion in the skin are scarcely known. In the last years, the association between certain primary immunodeficiencies and the susceptibility to severe dermatophytosis as well as the evidence provided by novel experimental models mimicking human disease have significantly contributed to deciphering the basic immunological mechanisms against dermatophytes. In this review, we outline the current knowledge on fungal virulence factors involved in the pathogenesis of dermatophytoses and recent evidence from human infections and experimental models that shed light on the cells and molecules involved in the antifungal cutaneous immune response. The latest highlights emphasize the contribution of C-type lectin receptors signaling and the cellular immune response mediated by IL-17 and IFN-γ in the anti-dermatophytic defense and skin inflammation control.
Insights
Dermatophytoses, or ringworms, are common skin infections. Understanding the immune system
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Mycology
Background:
- Dermatophytoses are frequent superficial fungal infections globally.
- Mechanisms of dermatophyte skin invasion are poorly understood, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Primary immunodeficiencies are linked to severe dermatophytosis susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on dermatophyte virulence factors.
- To elucidate immunological mechanisms against dermatophytes using human infections and experimental models.
- To highlight key cells and molecules in the cutaneous antifungal immune response.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on dermatophytosis pathogenesis.
- Analysis of data from human infections and experimental models.
- Focus on immunological responses, including C-type lectin receptors, IL-17, and IFN-γ.
Main Results:
- Fungal virulence factors contribute to dermatophytosis pathogenesis.
- C-type lectin receptor signaling plays a role in antifungal defense.
- IL-17 and IFN-γ mediated cellular immunity are crucial for controlling dermatophyte infections and skin inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Immune responses involving C-type lectin receptors, IL-17, and IFN-γ are critical for combating dermatophyte infections.
- Further research into these pathways can inform therapeutic strategies for severe or chronic cases.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key to managing skin inflammation and controlling fungal invasion.
