Immune responses to Aspergillus fumigatus infections

Abstract

Aspergillus fumigatus is an important fungal pathogen of the immunocompromised host. Innate inflammatory and adaptive T cell responses contribute to defense against this pathogen. Toll-like receptors are involved in the activation of innate immune defenses against fungal spores and hyphae and contribute to the recruitment of inflammatory cells to sites of infection. T cell responses to A. fumigatus are rapid and robust, and their differentiation is influenced by the metabolic activity of spores. Ongoing investigations of immune responses to A. fumigatus are likely to provide opportunities to enhance defenses against this pathogen in the immunocompromised host.