Non-coding RNAs in dermatophytosis: Key regulators of host-fungal interactions and pathogenesis-A review

Dermatophytosis, a prevalent superficial fungal infection caused by fungi such as Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum canis, develops through the dynamic interaction between fungal virulence factors - including adhesion, secretion of keratinolytic proteases, and hyphal invasion - and the host's multifaceted immune response, which involves antimicrobial peptides, pattern recognition receptors, and cellular immunity. Recent evidence identifies non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including miRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, and tRFs, as key regulators of this host-fungal crosstalk. This review synthesizes current advances, showing that dermatophyte infection alters host ncRNA expression while fungi themselves produce stage-specific ncRNAs to modulate virulence genes involved in protease activity, nutrient acquisition, and hyphal growth. We highlight the dual role of ncRNAs in both promoting host defense and facilitating fungal invasion, linking fungal pathogenicity to immune modulation. Finally, we explore the translational potential of targeting ncRNA networks, outlining a roadmap for novel mechanism-based diagnostics and antifungal therapies against this widespread, recurrent infection.