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Updated: Jul 20, 2025
Live Imaging of Antifungal Activity by Human Primary Neutrophils and Monocytes in Response to A. fumigatus
Published on: April 19, 2017
Commander-in-chief: monocytes rally the troops for defense against aspergillosis
Keyi Wang1, Vanessa Espinosa2, Amariliz Rivera2
1Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA; School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
Abstract:
The detrimental impact of fungal infections to human health has steadily increased over the past decades. In October of 2022, the World Health Organization published the first ever fungal-pathogen priority list highlighting increased awareness of this problem, and the need for more research in this area. There were four distinct fungal pathogens identified as critical priority groups with Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) being the only mold. Af is a common environmental fungus responsible for over 90% of invasive aspergillosis cases worldwide. Pulmonary protection against Af is critically dependent on innate effector cells with essential roles played by neutrophils and monocytes. In this review, we will summarize our current understanding of how monocytes help orchestrate antifungal defense against Af.
Insights
Fungal infections pose a growing threat, with Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) identified as a critical mold pathogen. Monocytes are key innate immune cells essential for orchestrating pulmonary defense against Af.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Fungal infections are a significant and increasing global health concern.
- The World Health Organization has prioritized fungal pathogens due to their rising impact.
- Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) is a critical mold pathogen causing over 90% of invasive aspergillosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the role of monocytes in antifungal defense.
- To highlight the importance of monocytes in combating Aspergillus fumigatus infections.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, summarizing existing research.
- Key findings from relevant studies on innate immunity and fungal infections were synthesized.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary protection against Af relies heavily on innate immune cells.
- Neutrophils and monocytes play essential roles in antifungal immunity.
- Monocytes are crucial in orchestrating the immune response against Af.
Conclusions:
- Monocytes are vital components of the innate immune system's defense against Aspergillus fumigatus.
- Further research into monocyte function can inform strategies against invasive fungal infections.
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