Immunomodulation in the Treatment of Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis

Mortality rates for disseminated coccidioidomycosis remain high despite modern antifungal therapies, resulting in substantial costs to society. We propose that immunomodulation as an adjunctive therapy with antifungals can improve clinical outcomes. Previous work suggested that treatment with interferon gamma or by blocking the IL-4/IL-13 receptor with dupilumab could improve clinical outcomes.

We present a case series of 18 patients at UCLA with severe or persistent coccidioidomycosis receiving maximal antifungal treatment who received immunomodulatory therapy. Treatment selection based on the clinical context and intracellular cytokine staining that measured T helper cells producing interferon gamma or IL-4. Patients with severe disease received recombinant interferon gamma, while those showing Type-2 immune dysregulation were treated with dupilumab.

Patients receiving dupilumab showed a reduction in Type-2 T-cell responses. Importantly, 16 of the 18 patients survived (88%), with clinical outcomes improving relative to baseline in the majority.

This case series provides evidence that patients with severe and/or disseminated coccidioidomycosis may benefit from immunomodulation. These positive outcomes support the consideration of off-label use of these medications. Clinical trials are warranted for interferon gamma in severe disease and dupilumab for disseminated disease when Type-2 immune dysregulation is present. Further research is needed to identify the specific patient populations that may benefit most from the addition of immunomodulatory medications.