Fungal infections following treatment with monoclonal antibodies and other immunomodulatory therapies.

Fungal infections following treatment with monoclonal antibodies and other immunomodulatory therapies. Rev Iberoam Micol. 2019 Dec 13;: Authors: Candel FJ, Peñuelas M, Tabares C, Garcia-Vidal C, Matesanz M, Salavert M, Rivas P, Pemán J Abstract Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in a wide range of important physiologic processes and has a pathologic role in some diseases. TNF antagonists (infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept) are effective in treating inflammatory conditions. Antilymphocyte biological agents (rituximab, alemtuzumab), integrin antagonists (natalizumab, etrolizumab and vedolizumab), interleukin (IL)-17A blockers (secukinumab, ixekizumab) and IL-2 antagonists (daclizumab, basiliximab) are widely used after transplantation and for gastroenterological, rheumatological, dermatological, neurological and hematological disorders. Given the putative role of these host defense elements against bacterial, viral and fungal agents, the risk of infection during a treatment with these antagonists is a concern. Fungal infections, both opportunistic and endemic, have been associated with these biological therapies, but the causative relationship is unclear, especially among patients with poor control of their underlying disease or who are undergoing steroid therapy. Potential recipients of these drugs should be screened for latent endemic fungal infections. Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis could be useful for ...
Source: Revista Iberoamericana de Micologia - Category: Biology Authors: Tags: Rev Iberoam Micol Source Type: research