Scientists uncover how fungi 'blind' the immune system—offering new hope against superbugs
· Medical Xpressedited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered that a fungus deadly to people with weakened immune systems can disable a critical defense used by neutrophils, the body's front-line, infection-fighting white blood cells.
An estimated 40% to 60% of healthy people carry Candida albicans harmlessly as part of the body's normal microbial community.
But in people with weakened immune systems, it can enter the bloodstream and trigger invasive candidiasis, a condition with mortality rates approaching 50%.
The research, conducted using zebrafish models and human immune cells, showed that restoring this suppressed immune response dramatically improved survival from infection, particularly when combined with existing antifungal drugs. The work is published in the journal mBio.
The findings, from scientists at Sheffield's Bateson Center for Disease Mechanisms, could lead to new therapies to tackle life-threatening fungal infections and rising antifungal resistance.
How Candida disarms neutrophils
Candida was found to actively suppress production of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), toxic molecules normally used by neutrophils (our most abundant white blood cell) to kill invading microbes. Remarkably, the fungus reduced these protective molecules to levels below normal baseline activity, effectively dampening the immune response during infection.
The study found similar immune suppression in other clinically important fungal pathogens, including the emerging multidrug-resistant species Candida auris.
The World Health Organization has designated Candida albicans and Candida auris as critical-priority fungal pathogens because of increasing drug resistance and the lack of effective vaccines or treatments.
Suppression tied to deadlier infections
The researchers found that the more effectively a fungal strain suppressed neutrophil RNS, the deadlier the infection became in the animal model, suggesting immune suppression is an important driver of fungal virulence.
The findings point to the possibility of 'host-directed therapies," treatments that strengthen the patient's own immune response rather than attacking the fungus directly. Such approaches may become increasingly important as antifungal resistance rises worldwide and treatment options remain limited.
Dr. Philip Elks, senior lecturer at the University of Sheffield's School of Medicine and Population Health, and co-director of the Bateson Center for Disease Mechanisms, said, "Candida infection can be lethal for patients with compromised immune systems, and the global increase in antifungal resistance, along with limited treatment options, is of immense concern.
"Although in its early stages, our findings indicate we could help patients fight off fungal infections by strengthening their immune systems, protecting vulnerable people from the deadly outcomes of fungal infections."
Future work will now focus on identifying precisely how Candida disables neutrophil function and whether RNS-targeting therapies could eventually be translated into clinical use alongside conventional antifungal drugs.
Publication details
Thomas B. Burgess et al, Candida spp. suppress neutrophil reactive nitrogen species to evade killing, mBio (2026). DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00202-26
Journal information: mBio
Key medical concepts
NeutrophilsCandida albicansCandida auris
Clinical categories
Infectious diseasesAllergy and immunology Provided by University of Sheffield Who's behind this story?
Sadie Harley
BSc Life Sciences & Ecology. Microbiology lab background with pharmaceutical news experience in oil, gas, and renewable industries. Full profile →
Andrew Zinin
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Citation: Scientists uncover how fungi 'blind' the immune system—offering new hope against superbugs (2026, July 8) retrieved 9 July 2026 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-07-scientists-uncover-fungi-immune-superbugs.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.