Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis

A leading cause of mortality inhalation of fungal spores may cause infectio n and/or inflammation, which is dependent on the nature of the fungus as we ll as the individual's immune status, Aspergillus fumigatus is responsible for a dramatic pathology, invasive aspergillosis (IA). IA has become a lead ing cause of death, mainly among bone marrow transplantation or solid-organ recipients, but also among AIDS patients. Immune response The diversity of immune failure suggests that many lines of immunity are implicated in the A. fumigatus elimination process. Non speci fic immunity plays a major role in the defence against A. fumigatus, includ ing three major lines anatomical barriers, humoral components, phagocytic c ells. But acquired immunity plays a role with different T-cell subsets and their associated cytokines. Fungus-host relationships The relationship between the fungus and its host is complex and could be again study to improve the prevention and the treat ment of IA. The aim of this review is a synthesis of the knowledge about th e immunity response against Aspergillus fumigatus in IA.