Signal Transduction in Host-Fungal Pathogen Interactions

Dear Colleagues,

Fungal commensals and pathogens interact with animal hosts within tissue niches that vary in nutrition, temperature, pH and many other factors. Their success depends upon an ability to sense, adapt to and occasionally evade conditions in the host. Conversely, host defense requires a wide array of sensor systems that must activate protective immune responses, but only under the appropriate circumstances to avoid immunopathogenesis. The interplay of these programs of mutual sensing and response lies at the heart of the evolution of peaceful co-existence vs. harmful disease states. For example, fungal pathogens may respond to cell wall stress upon immune attack, alter their metabolism in response to the nutritional environment or activate virulence programs during invasion. Immune cells respond to the molecular signatures of fungal infection and tissue damage by initiating multi-layered host defenses. In both cases, the host–pathogen interaction relies on molecular sensing and signal transduction systems that collaborate to convey relevant information about the external and internal status of both host and pathogen and initiate the appropriate responses. Through comprehensive reviews, original research and novel perspectives, this Special Issue will explore recent developments in fungal and animal host signaling to better understand the host–pathogen dynamic at all mechanistic levels.

Dr. Aaron Neumann
Guest Editor

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