Immunol Invest. 2025 Nov 3:1-19. doi: 10.1080/08820139.2025.2583275. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The interaction between the immune system and fungi has long intrigued researchers, as fungi are among the most common organisms encountered by humans. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are specialized immune cells that play a key role in modulating immune responses during fungal infections by inhibiting T-cell activity.
OBJECTIVES: This review aims to investigate the mechanisms by which MDSCs influence fungal infections and to explore their potential as therapeutic targets.
METHODS: A comprehensive review of existing studies examining MDSC activity in various fungal infections was conducted. Comparative analysis focused on the protective versus non-protective effects of MDSCs across different fungal species.
RESULTS: MDSCs suppress pro-inflammatory T-cell responses, leading to two contrasting outcomes. On one hand, this suppression mitigates disease progression by reducing harmful inflammation. On the other, it can enhance fungal survival by preventing T-cell-mediated damage. Protective effects of MDSCs have been observed in Candida albicans infections, whereas non-protective or detrimental effects have been reported in infections caused by Candida tropicalis, Paracoccidioides, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, Malassezia, and Mucor species.
CONCLUSIONS: MDSCs play a dual role in fungal infections, balancing protective immune regulation with facilitation of fungal persistence. Understanding their mechanisms offers promising avenues for the development of targeted immunotherapies against fungal pathogens.
PMID:41182853 | DOI:10.1080/08820139.2025.2583275