Fungal infections are an increasing global health concern, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. Despite significant advances, our understanding of host immune responses to fungal pathogens remains incomplete. Opportunistic pathogens such as Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., Cryptococcus neoformans, Sporothrix spp. and emerging fungi like Candida auris pose serious challenges due to immune evasion strategies, diagnostic limitations, and antifungal resistance.

Recent surges in invasive fungal infections linked to global health events (e.g., COVID-19-associated mucormycosis) and the rise of multidrug-resistant fungi underscore the urgent need for deeper immunological insight. This Research Topic will serve as a platform for integrating foundational immunology with translational efforts in diagnostics, therapeutics, and public health. More specifically, this Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge research on the innate and adaptive immune responses to fungal pathogens by exploring how cellular and molecular mechanisms underlie host-pathogen interactions and how fungi subvert immune detection. Additionally, we seek insights into immunotherapeutic strategies and vaccine development, which are critical for improving outcomes in fungal disease.

We welcome original research, case reports, reviews, mini-reviews, perspectives, and brief research reports on themes including but not limited to:

- Innate immune recognition of fungal components (e.g., Dectin-1, TLRs, inflammasomes)
- Adaptive immunity to fungal pathogens (Th1, Th17, Treg responses, memory formation)
- Immunopathology of fungal infections
- Mechanisms of immune evasion by fungal pathogens
- Fungal biofilms and immune resistance
- Host genetic susceptibility to fungal infections
- The impact of immunosuppressive conditions (e.g., HIV, chemotherapy, transplant)
- Immunodiagnostics and immune-based biomarkers
- Advances in immunotherapy and fungal vaccines
- Cross-talk between fungal infection and the microbiota or viral/bacterial co-infections

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Immunology of Human Fungal Pathogens: Host-Pathogen Interactions, Immune Evasion, and Therapeutic Strategies