Interplay between fungal infections and autoimmunity: mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives.

Fungal infections and autoimmunity share a complex, bidirectional relationship that significantly impacts patient outcomes. Emerging evidence highlights how fungal pathogens contribute to autoimmune processes by triggering immune dysregulation. Conversely, autoimmunity and its immunomodulatory treatments increase susceptibility to fungal infections. These interactions manifest through altered immune responses, including changes in inflammatory signaling, antigen recognition, and mycobiome composition. The resulting interplay complicates disease management, necessitating careful balancing of antifungal defenses with immune modulation. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the role of fungal infections in the progression of autoimmune conditions and explores how autoimmune diseases predispose individuals to fungal infections. Key insights emphasize the need for integrative treatment approaches, addressing both infection risks and immune system imbalances.

Duke Scholars

Author Mari L. Shinohara Integrative Immunobiology