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Antifungal Innate Immunity
Sarah Sze Wah Wong1, Sarah Dellière1,2, Mathieu Lepas1
1Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Molecular Mycology Unit, UMR2000, CNRS, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Despite being common inhabitants of human barrier surfaces (skin, oral cavity, gut, lungs, vagina), diseases caused by fungi are rare owing to their surveillance by and sentinel function of human innate immune system. Whereas a compromised or suppressed immunity facilitates the establishment of fungal infections, the consequence of which ranges from superficial infections affecting life quality to life-threatening invasive fungal diseases. Over the last few decades, the number of people at risk for invasive fungal infections has increased due to immunosuppressive medical interventions. Also, there is an alarming increase in incidence of antifungal drug resistance, which demands alternative antifungal strategies. In vivo experimental studies have indicated that immunotherapies could be promising to combat fungal pathogens. Nevertheless, development of an effective clinical immunotherapy requires in-depth knowledge on pathobiology of fungi and the consequent host responses. Here is an overview of the defense mechanisms exerted by the human innate immune system against fungal pathogens, counteracting virulence mechanisms associated with these fungal pathogens and the innate immune system-based antifungal therapeutic strategies developed so far.
Insights
The human innate immune system protects against fungal infections. Research explores immune defenses, fungal virulence, and immunotherapy strategies to combat rising drug resistance and invasive fungal diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Fungi are common on human surfaces, but infections are rare due to innate immunity.
- Immunocompromised individuals face risks of superficial to life-threatening fungal diseases.
- Rising antifungal drug resistance necessitates novel therapeutic approaches like immunotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review innate immune system defenses against fungal pathogens.
- To examine fungal virulence mechanisms counteracted by the immune system.
- To discuss innate immunity-based antifungal therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on host-pathogen interactions.
- Analysis of innate immune surveillance and response mechanisms.
- Evaluation of experimental immunotherapy studies against fungi.
Main Results:
- The innate immune system employs various mechanisms to control fungal growth.
- Fungi possess virulence factors that can overcome host defenses.
- Immunotherapies show promise but require further research for clinical application.
Conclusions:
- Understanding fungal pathobiology and host responses is crucial for developing effective antifungal immunotherapies.
- Innate immunity plays a critical role in preventing and combating fungal infections.
- Targeting innate immune pathways offers a potential strategy against drug-resistant fungal pathogens.
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