Rethinking the immune recognition of cell walls in human fungal pathogens: Mechanisms, controversies and translational significance.

Fungal cell wall polysaccharides are recognized by immune receptors, shaping antifungal responses and immunopathology, with recognition mechanisms and immune roles varying by context.

• Why it matters: Understanding how immune systems detect and respond to fungal cell walls is crucial for developing effective antifungal therapies and vaccines, given the complexity and controversy in immune recognition.
• What they did: The review summarizes recognition mechanisms, signaling pathways, and immunoregulatory roles of immune cells responding to fungal polysaccharides, emphasizing innate and adaptive immunity's dual roles.
• The result: Insights into immune recognition and regulation may inform immunomodulatory and vaccine strategies, addressing current knowledge gaps and controversies in antifungal immunity.