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Published on: November 6, 2020
Reinforcing the Immunocompromised Host Defense against Fungi: Progress beyond the Current State of the Art
Georgios Karavalakis1, Evangelia Yannaki1,2, Anastasia Papadopoulou1
1Hematology Department-Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, "George Papanikolaou" Hospital, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece.
Abstract:
Despite the availability of a variety of antifungal drugs, opportunistic fungal infections still remain life-threatening for immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation or solid organ transplantation. Suboptimal efficacy, toxicity, development of resistant variants and recurrent episodes are limitations associated with current antifungal drug therapy. Adjunctive immunotherapies reinforcing the host defense against fungi and aiding in clearance of opportunistic pathogens are continuously gaining ground in this battle. Here, we review alternative approaches for the management of fungal infections going beyond the state of the art and placing an emphasis on fungus-specific T cell immunotherapy. Harnessing the power of T cells in the form of adoptive immunotherapy represents the strenuous protagonist of the current immunotherapeutic approaches towards combating invasive fungal infections. The progress that has been made over the last years in this field and remaining challenges as well, will be discussed.
Insights
New immunotherapies, especially T cell-based treatments, offer promising alternatives to traditional antifungal drugs for immunocompromised patients facing life-threatening fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Opportunistic fungal infections pose significant risks to immunocompromised individuals, including transplant recipients.
- Current antifungal drugs have limitations such as toxicity, resistance, and recurrence.
- There is a need for novel therapeutic strategies to enhance host defense against fungal pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review alternative management strategies for fungal infections.
- To emphasize the role of fungus-specific T cell immunotherapy.
- To discuss the progress and challenges in adoptive T cell immunotherapy for invasive fungal infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on antifungal therapies and immunotherapies.
- Focus on adoptive T cell immunotherapy approaches.
- Analysis of advancements and obstacles in the field.
Main Results:
- Fungus-specific T cell immunotherapy is a promising adjunctive approach.
- Adoptive immunotherapy leverages host immune cells to combat fungal infections.
- Significant progress has been made in developing T cell-based strategies.
Conclusions:
- T cell immunotherapy represents a key advancement in combating invasive fungal infections.
- Further research and development are needed to overcome existing challenges.
- Immunotherapies are crucial for improving outcomes in immunocompromised patients.
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