Journal of Research in Microbiology and Immunology ISSN: 3108-0952 (Online)

Authors: Dr. Neha Kapoor, Dr. Rajat Verma

Abstract: Fungal infections pose significant clinical challenges due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains and the complexity of host immune responses. Resistance to antifungal drugs, including azoles, echinocandins, and polyenes, arises through molecular mechanisms such as efflux pump activation, target enzyme mutations, biofilm formation, and stress response pathways. Concurrently, the host immune system employs innate and adaptive responses, including pattern recognition receptor activation, phagocytosis, and cytokine mediated immunity, to counter fungal pathogens. This review highlights the molecular basis of antifungal resistance, mechanisms of immune recognition, and modulation of immune responses during fungal infections. Tables summarize resistance mechanisms, antifungal drug classes, and host immune responses. Understanding these interactions provides insights for novel therapeutic strategies, immunomodulation, and improved clinical management of fungal infections.

Keywords: Fungal resistance, antifungal drugs, immune response, biofilm, efflux pumps, azoles, echinocandins, host-pathogen interaction.