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Innate versus adaptive immunity in Candida albicans infection
Author(s) -
Ashman Robert B,
Farah Camile S,
Wanasaengsakul Siripen,
Hu Yan,
Pang Gerald,
Clancy Robert L
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
immunology and cell biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.999
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1440-1711
pISSN - 0818-9641
DOI - 10.1046/j.0818-9641.2004.01217.x
Subject(s) - innate immune system , immunology , biology , candida albicans , acquired immune system , immune system , context (archaeology) , immunity , immunopathology , microbiology and biotechnology , paleontology
Candida albicans is a common opportunistic pathogen, causing both superficial and systemic infection. Clinical observations indicate that mucocutaneous infections are commonly associated with defective cell‐mediated immune responses, whereas systemic infection is more frequently seen in patients with deficiencies in neutrophil number or function. Analysis of mechanisms of host resistance against gastrointestinal and oral infection in mouse models has demonstrated an absolute dependence on CD4 + T cells, although clearance also involves phagocytic cells. Both IL‐12 and TNF‐α appear to be important mediators, but mouse strain‐dependent variations in susceptibility to infection may be related to T‐cell enhancement of production of phagocytic cells by the bone marrow. In murine systemic infection, the role of innate and adaptive responses is less well defined. Studies in immunodeficient and T‐cell‐depleted mice suggest that clearance of the yeast may be predominantly a function of the innate response, whereas the adaptive response may either limit tissue damage or have the potential to cause immunopathology, depending on the host genetic context in which the infection takes place.