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Updated: Oct 3, 2025
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Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
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TNFα Blockade Inhibits Both Initial and Continued Control of Pulmonary Coccidioides
Daniel A Powell1,2, Lisa F Shubitz1, Christine D Butkiewicz1
1Valley Fever Center for Excellence, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|February 17, 2022
Summary
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is crucial for controlling Coccidioides fungal infections in mice. Blocking TNFα early or late in infection leads to uncontrolled fungal growth and host death.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is a key cytokine in infection response, but its role in Coccidioides infection is unclear.
- Increased use of TNFα inhibitors for autoimmune diseases necessitates understanding TNFα's function in Coccidioides infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of TNFα in controlling Coccidioides fungal infection using a murine model.
- To determine the impact of TNFα inhibition on fungal proliferation and host survival.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a newly developed Coccidioides infection model with strain Cp1038 in B6D2F1 mice.
- Administered anti-TNFα antibodies at different time points during infection.
- Monitored fungal proliferation and host survival.
Main Results:
- B6D2F1 mice demonstrated long-lasting control of Cp1038 infection.
- Anti-TNFα antibody treatment led to significant fungal proliferation and host mortality.
- Inhibition of TNFα within the first two weeks or after fungal control was established resulted in loss of fungal control.
Conclusions:
- TNFα plays a critical role in the initial control of Coccidioides infection in mice.
- TNFα is essential for the ongoing suppression of fungal disease progression.
- Targeting TNFα requires careful consideration in patients with Coccidioides infection, especially those on TNFα inhibitor therapy.
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