Pattern recognition receptors in antifungal immunity

Semin Immunopathol. 2015 Mar;37(2):97-106. doi: 10.1007/s00281-014-0462-4. Epub 2014 Nov 25.

Abstract

Receptors of the innate immune system are the first line of defence against infection, being able to recognise and initiate an inflammatory response to invading microorganisms. The Toll-like (TLR), NOD-like (NLR), RIG-I-like (RLR) and C-type lectin-like receptors (CLR) are four receptor families that contribute to the recognition of a vast range of species, including fungi. Many of these pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are able to initiate innate immunity and polarise adaptive responses upon the recognition of fungal cell wall components and other conserved molecular patterns, including fungal nucleic acids. These receptors induce effective mechanisms of fungal clearance in normal hosts, but medical interventions, immunosuppression or genetic predisposition can lead to susceptibility to fungal infections. In this review, we highlight the importance of PRRs in fungal infection, specifically CLRs, which are the major PRR involved. We will describe specific PRRs in detail, the importance of receptor collaboration in fungal recognition and clearance, and describe how genetic aberrations in PRRs can contribute to disease pathology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fungi / immunology*
  • Fungi / metabolism*
  • Fungi / pathogenicity
  • Humans
  • Immune Evasion
  • Immunity*
  • Lectins, C-Type / metabolism
  • Mycoses / genetics
  • Mycoses / immunology*
  • Mycoses / metabolism*
  • Mycoses / microbiology
  • Protein Binding
  • Receptors, Pattern Recognition / metabolism*
  • Th17 Cells / immunology
  • Th17 Cells / metabolism
  • Toll-Like Receptors / metabolism

Substances

  • Lectins, C-Type
  • Receptors, Pattern Recognition
  • Toll-Like Receptors