Recent Advances on the Role of Toll-like Receptors in Sporotrichosis – An Overview

Sporotrichosis is a chronic granulomatous subcutaneous mycotic infection caused by dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii species complex which is clinically and/or epidemiologically important. The fungus is present in soil and contaminated decaying vegetation and their usual mode of infection is by traumatic inoculation into the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The immunological mechanisms involved in the prevention and control of infections caused by S. schenckii are not yet well understood but it has been discussed they should include both humoral and cellular immune responses. Immune status of the host and the inherent heterogeneity found within the same species might interfere with the expression of their virulence factors, leading to distinct clinical manifestations of disease. Interactions between innate and adaptive systems play an essential role on the immune response against microbial infection. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important in this process since they bind to pathogen surface antigens and initiate the immune response. In this review, we will explore and discuss recent advances in the involvement of toll-like receptors in the recognition of the etiological agent of sporotrichosis and how this process interferes with the production of mediators in response to the infection.