Mechanisms of Immune Response and Evasion in Fungal Pathogenesis

Fungal infections pose an increasing threat to global health, particularly affecting those with weakened immune systems. These pathogens have evolved complex mechanisms to invade host tissues, avoid detection by the immune system, and thrive in diverse environmental conditions. The current research underscores the pathogens’ ability to adhere to host cells, degrade physical barriers with enzymes, and grow invasively as hyphae. Moreover, they deploy tactics like antigen masking and immune signaling disruption to evade host defenses. Such biological complexities highlight urgent research needs, especially regarding the relationships between fungal behavior, host immune responses, and disease progression.

This Research Topic aims to enhance our understanding of the intricate interactions between fungal pathogens and the host immune system. It emphasizes emerging research on novel mechanisms of fungal invasion and evasion, including how metabolic changes, mutations, and epigenetic modifications contribute to pathogenicity. The ultimate objective is to leverage this knowledge to develop more effective treatments and improve outcomes for patients suffering from fungal infections.

In pursuit of deepening insights within this field, we encourage submissions that contribute to the following themes:

- Mechanisms of fungal invasion and tissue tropism.
- Molecular and cellular strategies for fungal immune evasion.
- Host immune signaling pathways in fungal infections.
- Recent findings in metabolic-related pathogenesis.
- Advances in antifungal immunotherapies.
- Biofilm-mediated resistance and its impact on host-pathogen interactions.
- Insights into fungal-host coevolution.
- Case studies on emerging fungal pathogens and immune challenges.