Immunology of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis

• Published in: Journal of clinical pathology Vol. 54; no. 2; pp. 81 - 83
• Main Authors: Lilic, D, Gravenor, I
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists 01-02-2001; BMJ Publishing Group Ltd; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Antibodies, Fungal - biosynthesis; Antigens; Candida - immunology; Candida albicans; Candidiasis; Candidiasis, Chronic Mucocutaneous - immunology; Cytokines; Cytokines - biosynthesis; Defects; Disease; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Laboratories; Lymphocytes; Neutrophils; Physiological aspects; Streptococcus infections; T cells; T-Lymphocyte Subsets - immunology; United States
• ISSN: 0021-9746; 1472-4146
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.54.2.81

Earlier studies showed that candida itself, in particular candida mannan, exerts immunosuppressive properties that result in depressed T cell function. 14 Although this might contribute to the immune depression seen in patients with CMC, this is unlikely to play a major role because it is well documented that patients with CMC regularly relapse in spite of candida eradication by vigorous antifungal treatment. 2 Immunity in chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis INNATE IMMUNITY Research into the immune defect(s) in patients with CMC over the years mostly demonstrated intact innate immunity to candida, including complement function as well as neutrophil phagocytosis and intracellular killing. 1 However, the data on macrophage function are controversial, suggesting subtle impairment of macrophage activation and intracellular killing. 15 Most importantly, the regulatory (cytokine producing) role of the macrophage in CMC remains largely unknown. [...]the immune defect underlying susceptibility to candida infections in patients with CMC affects cell mediated responses through altered cytokine production, resulting in the production of inadequate concentrations of type 1 cytokines.