Immunity to Fungi

Cutaneous and superficial fungal infections are normally self-limiting, with recovery associated with a resistance to re-infection. As hosts often develop delayed-type hypersensitivity, this resistance appears to be cell-mediated.

• T cell immunity- it is thought that helper T cells release cytokines to activate macrophages to fight the infection
• Neutrophils- there is now growing evidence for the role of neutrophils in some infections of the respiratory system, with defensin and the nitric oxide pathways implicated

Test yourself with the Fungi Flashcard

Fungi Flashcards