Researchers at the University of Calgary have identified a mechanism that raises the danger of deadly fungal infections when facing both coronavirus and the flu. The study’s insights appear in Science Translational Medicine.
Every day, people inhale numerous fungal spores, including Aspergillus. For healthy individuals, these spores rarely cause trouble, but those with weakened immune systems can suffer serious infections. Viral illnesses can also boost the likelihood of Aspergillus infections even among people who were previously healthy.
The new findings indicate that a previously unknown natural immune defense required to fend off fungal infections during influenza and COVID-19 is compromised. In experiments using mice and human blood and tissue samples, scientists observed that two immune players—neutrophils and a distinct type of B cell—often collaborate to combat fungal invaders. SARS-CoV-2 and the influenza virus disrupt this collaboration by interfering with B cells as they interact with neutrophils.
The researchers began their work after treating a young patient who died from flu-associated aspergillosis. Traditional treatments failed to halt the infection. The team believes their work will not only point toward new treatment options but also improve early diagnosis and prevention strategies for fungal infections linked to viral illnesses. This progress holds particular relevance for North American healthcare as winters bring respiratory viruses that can weaken defenses, potentially affecting patients across Canada and the United States. Translational Medicine