The Host Immune Response to Scedosporium/Lomentospora

Abstract

Infections caused by the opportunistic pathogens Scedosporium/Lomentospora are on the rise. This causes problems in the clinic due to the difficulty in diagnosing and treating them. This review collates information published on immune response against these fungi, since an understanding of the mechanisms involved is of great interest in developing more effective strategies against them. Scedosporium/Lomentospora cell wall components, including peptidorhamnomannans (PRMs), α-glucans and glucosylceramides, are important immune response activators following their recognition by TLR2, TLR4 and Dectin-1 and through receptors that are yet unknown. After recognition, cytokine synthesis and antifungal activity of different phagocytes and epithelial cells is species-specific, highlighting the poor response by microglial cells against L. prolificans. Moreover, a great number of Scedosporium/Lomentospora antigens have been identified, most notably catalase, PRM and Hsp70 for their potential medical applicability. Against host immune response, these fungi contain evasion mechanisms, inducing host non-protective response, masking fungal molecular patterns, destructing host defense proteins and decreasing oxidative killing. In conclusion, although many advances have been made, many aspects remain to be elucidated and more research is necessary to shed light on the immune response to Scedosporium/Lomentospora.

ITS2 Sequencing and Targeted Meta-Proteomics of Infant Gut Mycobiome Reveal the Functional Role of Rhodotorula sp. during Atopic Dermatitis Manifestation

“…In a recent humoral study in mice by Buldain et al [61], Rbp1 from Lomentospora was shown for the first time to act as a fungal allergen. The allergic reaction occurred due to the recognition of immunoglobulin G (Ig-G) toward Rbp1 [62]. Despite the lack of evidence, Rhodotorula sp.…”

Lomentospora prolificans: An Emerging Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen

“…Saliva and serum from immunocompetent individuals were used in these studies [42,43]. Some of these antibodies produced by healthy populations may provide protection against fungal infections, and their antigenic targets may be investigated as therapeutic agents in the future [23] (Figure 1). these antibodies produced by healthy populations may provide protection against fungal infections, and their antigenic targets may be investigated as therapeutic agents in the future [23] (Figure 1).…”

“…Depending on the site of entry, the immunological response varies, and different cells are challenged to remove the conidia. Initially, the innate immune system recognizes molecular components in the fungal cell wall through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) [ 23 ]. The PRRs induce the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, phagocytosis, and adaptive immunity mechanisms.…”

“…Some of the antigenic epitopes of L. prolificans have recently been identified and some of the antibodies that recognize them may provide protection against this fungus [ 23 , 42 , 43 ]. Of note, human saliva containing IgA almost exclusively recognizes L. prolificans conidia [ 43 ], whereas serum IgG recognizes both forms of the fungus, hyphae and conidia [ 42 ].…”

“…Saliva and serum from immunocompetent individuals were used in these studies [ 42 , 43 ]. Some of these antibodies produced by healthy populations may provide protection against fungal infections, and their antigenic targets may be investigated as therapeutic agents in the future [ 23 ] ( Figure 1 ).…”