Immunomodulatory therapy in yeast infections.
Invasive yeast infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with defective immune response, such as those with cancer-related immunosuppression, organ transplantation or other immunodeficiencies, and neonates. Hospitalization in the intensive care unit may increase the risk for such infections. Despite the advent of new antifungal agents, the problem is escalating as the number of susceptible hosts increase and virulent, more resistant fungal strains emerge. Over the past few years, advances in immunology and molecular biology have greatly contributed to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of yeast infections. There is evidence that reconstitution of the host immune function is a major contributor to the resolution of yeast infections. Strategies aiming to increase the phagocyte number (e.g., granulocyte transfusions), to stimulate immune response (e.g., administration of hematopoietic growth factors and other proinflammatory cytokines) and to stimulate antigen-specific immunity (e.g., antibody therapy or vaccination) benefit patients at risk of, or suffering from, yeast infections. Further preclinical and clinical studies, as well as improving our understanding of immune system functions and dysfunctions, remain a future challenge.
Garbino
Jorge
J
University Hospitals of Geneva, Infectious Diseases Division (Clinical Research), 24 Rue Micheli du Crest, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland. jorge.garbino@hcuge.ch
Katragkou
Aspasia
A
Roilides
Emmanuel
E
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D015003:Yeasts / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
D007155:Immunologic Factors