Immune-Based Prevention and Therapy Against Coccidioidomycosis: Current and Emerging Approaches

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Coccidioidomycosis (CM) is a significant fungal infection endemic to the southwestern US, Mexico, and South America.
• Annual estimated cases exceed 300,000, with current treatments limited by antifungal drug cytotoxicity and emerging resistance.
• There is a critical need for alternative or adjunctive immune-based interventions for CM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in immune-based interventions for Coccidioidomycosis.
• To discuss the potential of emerging antifungal immunotherapies for invasive CM.
• To explore novel vaccine development and immunomodulatory treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on immune interventions for Coccidioidomycosis.
• Analysis of developments in subunit protein and mRNA-based vaccines.
• Examination of immunotherapies including immunomodulators, CAR-cells, and checkpoint inhibitors.

Main Results:

• Subunit protein and mRNA-based vaccines show promise for preventive strategies.
• Immunotherapies such as immunomodulators, CAR-cells, and checkpoint inhibitors are being investigated for treating invasive CM.
• Experimental animal and in vitro models are crucial for advancing vaccine and immunotherapy development.

Conclusions:

• Emerging immune-based strategies offer promising alternatives and adjuncts to conventional antifungal treatments for Coccidioidomycosis.
• Further research and development in vaccine technology and immunotherapy are essential for effective prevention and treatment of CM.
• The integration of novel immunotherapies and vaccines holds significant potential for managing invasive Coccidioidomycosis.