Emergence, function, and therapeutic strategies to target the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint during pathogenic fungal...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Mycology
• Pathogen-host interactions

Background:

• Human pathogenic fungi cause widespread, severe diseases globally.
• Fungi employ immune evasion strategies, including the manipulation of immune checkpoints.
• The programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 pathway are key immunosuppressive mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in fungal infections.
• To describe the molecular aspects and functions of PD-1 and PD-L1.
• To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting PD-1/PD-L1 for antifungal immunity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review summarizing current research on PD-1/PD-L1 in fungal infections.
• Analysis of molecular structures and functions of PD-1 and PD-L1.
• Discussion of expression patterns, regulation, and therapeutic potential.

Main Results:

• Aberrant activation of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway aids pathogen immune evasion during infection.
• Dynamic expression and regulation of PD-1/PD-L1 are observed during fungal invasion.
• PD-1/PD-L1-blocking strategies show potential for enhancing antifungal immunity.

Conclusions:

• The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is a critical target for fungal immune evasion.
• Targeting PD-1/PD-L1 offers a promising therapeutic avenue for fungal infections.
• Further research into PD-1/PD-L1 and immune checkpoint inhibitors is warranted for antifungal therapies.