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Microbiol. Rev., Dec 1995, 646-672, Vol 59, No. 4
RB Ashman and JM Papadimitriou
Host resistance against infections caused by the yeast Candida albicans is
mediated predominantly by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages.
Antigens of Candida stimulate lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine
synthesis, and in both humans and mice, these cytokines enhance the
candidacidal functions of the phagocytic cells. In systemic candidiasis in
mice, cytokine production has been found to be a function of the CD4+ T
helper (Th) cells. The Th1 subset of these cells, characterized by the
production of gamma interferon and interleukin-2, is associated with
macrophage activation and enhanced resistance against reinfection, whereas
the Th2 subset, which produces interleukins-4, -6, and -10, is linked to
the development of chronic disease. However, other models have generated
divergent data. Mucosal infection generally elicits Th1-type cytokine
responses and protection from systemic challenge, and identification of
cytokine mRNA present in infected tissues of mice that develop mild or
severe lesions does not show pure Th1- or Th2-type responses. Furthermore,
antigens of C. albicans, mannan in particular, can induce suppressor cells
that modulate both specific and nonspecific cellular and humoral immune
responses, and there is an emerging body of evidence that molecular mimicry
may affect the efficiency of anti-Candida responses within defined genetic
contexts.
Copyright © 1995, American Society for Microbiology
Production and function of cytokines in natural and acquired immunity to Candida albicans infection
Department of Pathology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia.
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