T cell responses to control fungal infection in an immunological memory lens

Abstract

In recent years, fungal vaccine research emanated significant findings in the field of antifungal T-cell immunity. The generation of effector T cells is essential to combat many mucosal and systemic fungal infections. The development of antifungal memory T cells is integral for controlling or preventing fungal infections, and understanding the factors, regulators, and modifiers that dictate the generation of such T cells is necessary. Despite the deficiency in the clear understanding of antifungal memory T-cell longevity and attributes, in this review, we will compile some of the existing literature on antifungal T-cell immunity in the context of memory T-cell development against fungal infections.

Engineered yeast cells simulating CD19+ cancers to control CAR T cell activation

“…Hence, we specifically regard the SCASA yeast platform as useful for applications where specific signals must be isolated from the complex interaction network. Additionally, absolute orthogonality is potentially difficult to obtain when employing yeast, as T cells express pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that can bind S. cerevisiae pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), such as Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and CD5 recognition of yeast cell wall-derived zymosan, which upon stimulation can modify T cell responses [77][78][79][80] . Interestingly, yeast-induced PRR stimulation of T cells might induce relevant phenotypes in relation to cancer immunotherapy, with for example studies showing that TLR2 stimulation can improve T cell anti-cancer phenotypes 81 , lower antigen density thresholds for T cell activation 82 , and improve CAR T cell responses 83 .…”

HIV-Associated Histoplasmosis

“…That generates the phase of adaptive immunity with lymphocyte proliferation and induction of cell-mediated immunity [51,52]. T cells are crucial in clearance of H. capsulatum and this major implication is demonstrated by several experimental studies [53,54]. Both CD4+ cells and CD8+ cells are necessary to induce a robust immune response [52,55].…”

Modulatory immune responses in fungal infection associated with organ transplant - advancements, management, and challenges

“…The development of memory T-cells is integral to establishing antifungal immunity, a pivotal defense mechanism against fungal infections, particularly within immunocompromised individuals ( 228 ). Memory T-cells, a specialized subset of T-lymphocytes, can recognize specific fungal antigens through their T-cell receptors (TCRs) upon fungal intrusion.…”

“…Upon the first encounter with a fungal pathogen or following fungal vaccination, naïve T-cells undergo activation with specificity toward the pathogen in question. This activation process often necessitates the involvement of APCs, such as DCs and macrophages, which present the fungal antigens to the naïve T-cells, thereby prompting their activation ( 228 , 230 ).…”

“…In instances where the immune response, encompassing memory T-cell reactivity, proves inadequate for controlling a fungal infection, antifungal medications may be warranted. These pharmacological interventions are efficacious in containing the fungal infection during immune recovery ( 228 , 229 , 235 ).…”