Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2004; 25(1): 63-71
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-822306
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Pulmonary Defenses Against Fungi

Yadira Hernández1 , Amy C. Herring1 , Gary B. Huffnagle1
  • 1Department of Internal Medicine-Pulmonary Division, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
12 March 2004 (online)

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Pulmonary immunity to fungal pathogens requires both innate and adaptive immune responses. Alveolar macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils are the phagocytic cells of the lung innate system. These cells produce early inflammatory mediators (i.e., reactive oxygen species, cytokines, and chemokines) in response to fungal infection. The production of early cytokines by innate cells, namely tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-12, plays a central role in the development of protective cell-mediated immunity against fungi. T helper 1 (Th1) cell-mediated immunity is essential for limiting a pulmonary fungal infection. Virulence factors produced by the fungi can also modulate the host immune response. Fungal virulence factors include the production of prostaglandins and a polysaccharide capsule.

The type of adaptive immune response (T1 vs T2) generated determines whether the fungi are cleared from the lungs or a chronic fungal infection prevails.

REFERENCES

Gary B HuffnaglePh.D. 

Department of Internal Medicine-Pulmonary Division, 6301 MSRB III-box 0642, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0642

Email: ghuff@umich.edu