Humoral Immunity Against Aspergillus fumigatus

Abstract

Aspergillus fumigatus is one the most ubiquitous airborne opportunistic human fungal pathogens. Understanding its interaction with host immune system, composed of cellular and humoral arm, is essential to explain the pathobiology of aspergillosis disease spectrum. While cellular immunity has been well studied, humoral immunity has been poorly acknowledge, although it plays a crucial role in bridging the fungus and immune cells. In this review, we have summarized available data on major players of humoral immunity against A. fumigatus and discussed how they may help to identify at-risk individuals, be used as diagnostic tools or promote alternative therapeutic strategies. Remaining challenges are highlighted and leads are given to guide future research to better grasp the complexity of humoral immune interaction with A. fumigatus.

Diagnosis of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Clinical, Radiological or Laboratory?

“…Recognition by the complement system and activation of the cascade seems to interfere with fungal dissemination. Aspergillus fumigatus and A. flavus, the most virulent species, bind less C3 on their surface than non-pathogenic species [22] However, recent studies have not yet identified the pathogenic factors which are unique to Aspergillus spp. This is one of the main reasons why it is critical for clinicians to find a unique diagnostic pattern when it comes to CPA.…”