Park SJ, Mehrad B.
Clin Microbiol Rev 2009;22:535–51.
There is evidence to suggest that in most healthy individuals, innate immunity plays a key role in clearing Aspergillus spp. without any signs of infection. In this review, the authors provide a detailed description of the mechanisms involved in innate immunity to Aspergillus spp.
The nature and extent of diseases associated with infection with Aspergillus spp. are closely related to the host’s immune response following exposure to the fungal organisms. A normal immune response is associated with rapid clearing of the organism. However, when the immune response is impaired, disease occurs. An aberrant increased response leads to hypersensitivity and possible development of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. If the immune response is diminished, colonization occurs, which may lead to aspergilloma formation for example, while severe immunosuppression is a prominent risk factor for invasive infection. In this review, the authors provide a detailed description of the mechanisms involved in innate immunity to Aspergillus spp.