The mammalian airways are lined by airway epithelial cells that are constantly engaged in the removal of inhaled pathogens (bacteria, viruses and fungi) or particles (smoke and diesel‑exhaust particles) by mucociliary mechanisms. Epithelial cells recognize vast repertoire of pathogens via...

Aspergillosis, predominantly induced by the pathogenic fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus , comprises of a spectrum of clinically distinct entities such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Despite treatment, these entities lead to severe lung damage...

Candida spp are usually benign fungi on the skin and mucosae of many humans. If an individual is immunocompromised Candida , in particular C. albicans , which is the most common fungal pathogen in humans, can enter the bloodstream and cause a life‑threatening systemic infection. Candida...

Helminth‑caused diseases, ranging from round to flat worms, afflict nearly half of the world population, and not so long ago, affected us all. During their co‑evolution, helmiths impacted a distinct host immunity and homeostasis for their chronic parasitism. These adaptations include a...

Assembly of enveloped viruses and their release from host infected cells are the final stages of viral life cycle. The comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern these fine‑tuned events will enable the discovery of novel potential antiviral targets. Viruses express...

Leishmaniasis is a major tropical disease that ranges in severity from self‑healing cutaneous and mucocutaneous ailments to fatal visceral manifestations. The increasing incidence of leishmaniasis in some part of the world has intensified research efforts directed at examining the host...

The type I interferon (IFN) response is the most potent cellular innate immune response against viral infections. However, several human RNA viruses have evolved strategies to evade or suppress different components and/or steps of the host type I IFN response in order to facilitate their...

Viruses are constantly under the peril of complement assault as they are efficiently recognized and neutralized by the complement system. In addition, the complement system is also known to enhance the virus specific B and T cell responses which play critical role in controlling viral...

Anti‑fungal host defense is mounted by both innate and adaptive wings of the immune system. Innate immunity appears to play a very important role in effecting anti‑fungal immune response, and in most cases, is central to the clearance of fungal pathogens in immunocompetent individuals. An...