IL-1 family signalling drives mucosal defence against systemic Candida albicans infection.

IL-1 family signalling is essential for mucosal defence against systemic Candida albicans infection, with its loss leading to dissemination and mortality in neutropenic conditions.

• Why it matters: Understanding how the host prevents mucosal invasion and systemic spread of C. albicans is crucial for improving treatment strategies for severe infections, especially in immunocompromised patients.
• What they did: The study examined the role of IL-1 family members in mucosal protection, showing that C. albicans induces these cytokines to control antimicrobial peptides, IL-17, and neutrophil responses, using experimental models of infection.
• The result: Loss of IL-1 family signalling caused severe oropharyngeal infection and, under neutropenic conditions, resulted in C. albicans dissemination to the liver and death, emphasizing the cytokines' role in preventing systemic disease.