Immunoglobulins at the interface of the gut mycobiota and anti-fungal immunity

Semin Immunol. 2023 May:67:101757. doi: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101757. Epub 2023 Mar 30.

Abstract

The dynamic and complex community of microbes that colonizes the intestines is composed of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. At the mucosal surfaces, immunoglobulins play a key role in protection against bacterial and fungal pathogens, and their toxins. Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is the most abundantly produced antibody at the mucosal surfaces, while Immunoglobulin G (IgG) isotypes play a critical role in systemic protection. IgA and IgG antibodies with reactivity to commensal fungi play an important role in shaping the mycobiota and host antifungal immunity. In this article, we review the latest evidence that establishes a connection between commensal fungi and B cell-mediated antifungal immunity as an additional layer of protection against fungal infections and inflammation.

Keywords: Antifungal antibodies; B-cells; Candida; Germinal centers; Humoral immunity; Hyphae; IgG; Mycobiome; Saccharomyces; Secretory IgA.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents*
  • Bacteria
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Mucosal
  • Immunoglobulin A, Secretory*
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulins

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Immunoglobulin A, Secretory
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulins