Exploring the Hosts' Weaknesses: New Insights from Basic Mechanisms to Complex Host-Pathogen Interactions to Combat Fungal Infections

Bringing together the future leaders with current senior scientists working at the forefront of innovative research in medical mycology and fungal immunology, the Gordon Research Seminar on Immunology of Fungal Infections is a uniquely designed opportunity for graduate students, post-docs and young faculty from around the globe to foster future networks, collaborations and exchange new data and cutting edge ideas.

Fungal diseases, caused by a variety of different fungal species infecting plants and vertebrates, are on the rise and pose a growing threat to global health and economy. In humans, fungal infections, caused by endogenous and environmental species, mainly occur in individuals with compromised immune status. Here, they can develop into life-threatening invasive infections with high mortality rate. The initial induction, the fine-tuning and the maintenance of a balanced immune response are key to the resolution of an infection. In this context, recent research has highlighted important aspects of fungal recognition by host cells, and the subsequent induction of innate and adaptive responses, but also fungal strategies to counteract this defence system. Moreover, additional features that modulate the hosts' defence, which include cell metabolism, nutritional immunity, innate imprinting and the influence of the host microbiota on host-pathogen interactions have risen. This Gordon Research Seminar will focus on these recent insights into the complex interplay between the host and pathogen. The program will discuss fundamental concepts and new advances in the field and will give a unique opportunity for young scientists to engage with the fungal immunology community.