Neuroinflammation in fungal infections: from pathogen recognition to pathological manifestations

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Fungal central nervous system (CNS) infections are a major cause of mortality and morbidity in immunocompromised individuals.
• These infections are often neglected in research and policy, despite their severe consequences.
• Neuroinflammation is a common feature, but its precise role in fungal CNS disease pathogenesis is poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the dual role of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of fungal CNS infections.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which fungal pathogens invade the CNS and trigger neuroinflammatory responses.
• To explore how varying levels of neuroinflammation contribute to neuropathology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on fungal CNS infections and neuroinflammation.
• Analysis of immune barriers protecting the CNS.
• Examination of fungal immune evasion and neuroinvasion strategies.
• Discussion of the mechanisms driving neuroinflammation in fungal infections.

Main Results:

• Fungal pathogens employ strategies to evade immune responses and invade the CNS.
• Complex mechanisms underlie the development of neuroinflammation during fungal CNS infections.
• Both insufficient and excessive neuroinflammatory responses can exacerbate neuropathology.

Conclusions:

• Neuroinflammation presents a double-edged sword in fungal CNS disease, necessitating a balanced immune response.
• Further research is critical to understand and modulate neuroinflammation for improved therapeutic strategies.
• Addressing the neglect of fungal CNS infections in research and policy is essential.