Immunity to Candida albicans

Abstract

Candidiasis is increasing in occurrence and severity because of advances in modern medicine and the use of antibiotic, immunosuppressive, and cytotoxic therapies and intravenous infusions. Unfortunately, adequate antibiotic therapy for Candida infections is still not available. It is important that we obtain more basic information concerning C. albicans-host interactions and elucidate those innate or acquired host defense mechanisms which control the diseases caused by this unique opportunistic yeast. This review includes research that has contributed to our basic understanding of innate and acquired immunities to C. albicans.