Rethinking the immune recognition of cell walls in human fungal pathogens: Mechanisms, controversies and translational significance.

Fungal cell wall polysaccharides activate immune responses through complex mechanisms, with recognition and outcomes varying by species, infection stage, and host immunity.

• Why it matters: Understanding how immune systems distinguish between protective and pathogenic responses to fungi is crucial for developing effective treatments and vaccines against fungal infections.
• What they did: The review synthesizes current knowledge on recognition mechanisms, signaling pathways, and immune regulation involving fungal polysaccharides, covering innate and adaptive responses and highlighting controversies and gaps.
• The result: Clarifying these immune interactions advances prospects for immunomodulatory therapies and vaccines, ultimately improving management of fungal diseases and reducing immunopathology.