Host immune responses in dermatophytes infection.

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Immunology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Dermatophytosis is a prevalent superficial fungal infection affecting keratinized tissues.
• It impacts approximately 20% of the global population, causing significant quality of life decline.
• The immune response to dermatophytes varies, with chronic infections lacking effective cell-mediated immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of the immune response against dermatophytes.
• To highlight the need for better understanding due to severe invasive cases linked to CARD9 mutations.
• To explore factors influencing clinical presentation and treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on dermatophytosis and host immune responses.
• Analysis of clinical presentations and etiological agents.
• Examination of genetic factors influencing susceptibility and disease severity.

Main Results:

• Acute infections typically elicit a cell-mediated immune response.
• Chronic or recurrent infections are associated with an impaired immune response.
• Genetic defects, such as in CARD9, can lead to severe, life-threatening invasive dermatophytosis.

Conclusions:

• The immune response to dermatophytes is complex and incompletely understood.
• Further research into immune mechanisms is essential for developing effective treatments for chronic and invasive forms.
• Understanding CARD9's role in innate immunity is critical for managing severe dermatophytosis.