Endosomal sensing of fungi: current understanding and emerging concepts

Abstract Endosomal sensing represents a key strategy by which mammalian cells detect parasitization by invading pathogens. This is critical for the control of fungal pathogens, which are for the most part phagocytosed by effector cells of the innate immune system. Despite rapid overall progress in our understanding of endosomal responses in recent times, relatively little is known about how the endosomal sensing system detects fungi and the ensuing immunological consequences. Considering that many fungal pathogens must overcome and evade endosomal killing in order to survive in the host, understanding this key area of the early innate response is crucial for our understanding of fungal infection. In this review we present a summary of our current knowledge of endosomal sensing within the context of fungal pathogens, with a focus on the myeloid compartment.