Evidence from several in vitro and animal model studies suggests a modulato
ry role of haemopoietic, T(H)1 and T(H)2 cytokines in host defence against
fungi, and highlights their potential utility as adjunctive therapy for man
agement of systemic mycoses (SM). However, there are limited clinical data
to support the use of cytokines in prevention and treatment of SM. Thus. at
present no adjunctive treatment is justified for routine use in all patien
ts. Potential application of these immunomodulatory agents include the use
of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor or macrophage colony-st
imulating factor in the management of mycoses in neutropenic patients with
myelogenous leukaemia or bone marrow transplantation, Interferon-gamma may
have a useful role against aspergillosis in patients with chronic granuloma
tous disease. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-elicited white blood ce
ll transfusions may be life saving to patients with refractory SM. Better u
nderstanding of synergy between cytokines and specific antifungals may prov
ide powerful tools for managing these serious infections.