Individuals suffering from severe viral respiratory tract infections have recently emerged as
“at risk” groups for developing invasive fungal infections. Influenza virus is one of the most …

Respiratory cilia are the driving force of the mucociliary escalator, working in conjunction
with secreted airway mucus to clear inhaled debris and pathogens from the conducting …

Background Influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) and COVID-19-associated
pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) affect about 15% of critically ill patients with influenza or …

Fungal infections are an increasing threat to global public health. There are more than six
million fungal species worldwide, but less than 1% are known to infect humans. Most of …

Epithelial tissues cover most of the external and internal surfaces of the body and its organs.
Inevitably, these tissues serve as first line of defence against inorganic, organic, and …

Mast cells (MCs) are best-known as key effector cells of immediate-type allergic reactions
that may even culminate in life-threatening anaphylactic shock syndromes. However …

Pulmonary infections caused by the mould pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus are a major
cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Compromised lung defences arising from …

Aspergillus colonization of the lower respiratory airways is common in normal people, and of
little clinical significance. However, in some patients, colonization is associated with severe …

Respiratory epithelia fulfil multiple roles beyond that of gaseous exchange, also acting as
primary custodians of lung sterility and inflammatory homeostasis. Inhaled fungal spores …

Innate immunity of the mucosal surfaces provides the first-line defense from invading
pathogens and pollutants conferring protection from the external environment. Innate …