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Published on: December 10, 2013
The pathobiology of human fungal infections
Gordon D Brown1, Elizabeth R Ballou2, Steven Bates2
1Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK. gordon.brown@exeter.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Human fungal infections are a historically neglected area of disease research, yet they cause more than 1.5 million deaths every year. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of these infections has increased considerably over the past decade, through major insights into both the host and pathogen factors that contribute to the phenotype and severity of these diseases. Recent studies are revealing multiple mechanisms by which fungi modify and manipulate the host, escape immune surveillance and generate complex comorbidities. Although the emergence of fungal strains that are less susceptible to antifungal drugs or that rapidly evolve drug resistance is posing new threats, greater understanding of immune mechanisms and host susceptibility factors is beginning to offer novel immunotherapeutic options for the future. In this Review, we provide a broad and comprehensive overview of the pathobiology of human fungal infections, focusing specifically on pathogens that can cause invasive life-threatening infections, highlighting recent discoveries from the pathogen, host and clinical perspectives. We conclude by discussing key future challenges including antifungal drug resistance, the emergence of new pathogens and new developments in modern medicine that are promoting susceptibility to infection.
Insights
Human fungal infections cause over 1.5 million deaths annually and involve complex host-pathogen interactions. Research is advancing, offering new immunotherapeutic strategies against drug-resistant fungi.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Human fungal infections are a neglected global health issue, causing significant mortality.
- Recent advances have elucidated host and pathogen factors influencing fungal disease severity.
- Fungi employ sophisticated mechanisms to evade immune responses and induce comorbidities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of the pathobiology of invasive human fungal infections.
- To highlight recent discoveries from pathogen, host, and clinical viewpoints.
- To discuss emerging challenges and future therapeutic avenues.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on fungal pathogenesis.
- Analysis of host-pathogen interactions in invasive fungal diseases.
- Synthesis of clinical observations and experimental findings.
Main Results:
- Fungi actively manipulate host responses and immune surveillance.
- Drug-resistant fungal strains present a growing threat.
- Understanding host susceptibility is paving the way for novel immunotherapies.
Conclusions:
- Invasive fungal infections require urgent attention due to high mortality and increasing drug resistance.
- Future research should focus on novel immunotherapeutic strategies and combating emerging pathogens.
- Advances in medicine contribute to increased host susceptibility, necessitating proactive management.
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