Epithelial responses to fungal pathogens.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Epithelial cells form the first line of defense against fungal pathogens.
• Fungal infections pose significant threats, particularly inhaled molds and mucosal Candida species.
• The role of epithelial cells in orchestrating immune responses to fungi is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding epithelial cell integration in antifungal immune responses.
• To highlight the mechanisms by which epithelial cells combat inhaled molds and mucosal Candida species.
• To emphasize the importance of fungal-epithelial interactions for developing immune-based therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on epithelial cell-fungal interactions in mammalian models.
• Analysis of signaling pathways (e.g., IL-1, interferon, IL-17) involved in epithelial antifungal responses.
• Examination of epithelial responses to fungal toxins like candidalysin.

Main Results:

• Epithelial cells in the lung respond to IL-1 and interferon signaling to control fungal infections.
• In mucosal sites, epithelial cells manage Candida colonization and invasion via candidalysin and IL-17-dependent antimicrobial peptides.
• Epithelial cells play a critical role in modulating local immune tone and fungal commensalism.

Conclusions:

• Epithelial cells are crucial orchestrators of innate and adaptive immunity against fungal pathogens.
• Targeting fungal-epithelial interactions offers promising avenues for novel immune-based antifungal therapies.
• Further research in mammalian models is essential to translate these findings into effective treatments for fungal infections.