Immune responses to fungal infections and therapeutic implications

Curr Drug Targets Immune Endocr Metabol Disord. 2001 Nov;1(3):189-97. doi: 10.2174/1568008013341118.

Abstract

Host responses to fungi result from a coordinate interplay between innate and adaptative immune system. Neutrophils and monocytes are involved in the non specific clearance of yeasts (e.g. Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans), while T helper 1 type responses are protective via release of interferon gamma. By contrast, T helper 2 responses (IL-4 and IL 10 release) correlate with disease exacerbation and pathology. IL-12 production which enhances T helper 1 type responses seem to exert a beneficial role in the course of Candida infection. In particular, its production from neutrophilis may support memory T helper 1 cell responses of the fungus. With respect to anti-Candida vaccines several approaches are in progress, such as use of heat-killed Candida albicans in combination with adjuvants, purified peptides and proteins and immunogenic peptide-lipid conjugates. Furthermore, exogenous IL-12 may play an important role in inducing a T helper 1 anticandidal response, also replacing neutrophils in neutropenic patients. At the same time, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor has exhibited therapeutic efficacy in experimental and human models of fungal infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Candidiasis / drug therapy
  • Candidiasis / immunology
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / drug therapy
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / immunology
  • Cryptococcosis / drug therapy
  • Cryptococcosis / immunology
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / immunology
  • Female
  • Fungi / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Mycoses / drug therapy*
  • Mycoses / immunology*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents