Role of the innate immune system in host defence against fungal infections

G. Mancuso, A. Midiri, E. Gerace, C. Biondo

Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. cbiondo@unime.it

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• Immunology
• Microbiology

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this narrative review is to present a summary of current knowledge of host-fungal pathogen interaction focusing on the importance of the innate immune system in host defense against invasive fungal infections. In addition, the emergence of drug resistance in the treatment of invasive fungal infections has also been highlighted.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review was conducted to identify articles documenting the role of the host innate immune system against fungal pathogen and the emergence of drug resistance in the treatment of invasive fungal infections.

RESULTS: In this review, we provide an update from the most recent studies on the role of the host innate immune system against fungal pathogen and we also highlight the mechanisms that these pathogens use to evade the innate immune system.

CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the existence of different cellular mechanisms that, following the recognition of fungal PAMPS, induce the production of different sets of defense factors. The development of new diagnostic methods and antifungal drugs along with a better understanding of the host immune response are key approaches to controlling invasive fungal infections.

 

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