Genetics and humoral responses of the immune system to Aspergillus fumigatus

Abstract

Due to the increasing incidence of invasive aspergillosis (IA) caused by the opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus, coupled with rising antifungal resistance and high mortality rates globally, novel antifungal development is a critical priority for reducing disease burden. The opportunistic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, prevalent in the environment alongside other fungi, infects immunocompromised individuals with weakened immune systems. The pathogen can cause severe diseases with fatal outcomes. Risk factors contributing to the severity of A. fumigatus-associated diseases have been identified, and the efficacy and molecular targets of antifungal drugs have been documented. Here, we describe specific interactions between the human immune system and the airborne pathogen A. fumigatus, emphasizing how co-infections influence virulence and disease progression. We reported A. fumigatus cell wall components, such as β-glucans, that mediate interactions with the host immune system, acting as virulence factors driving significant morbidity and mortality. We also discovered compounds, biomarkers, and non-coding RNAs with potential for immunotherapy, suitable for applications in targeted antifungal therapy, vaccine development, and diagnostics..