Research progress in melanins of Aspergillus fumigatus

Abstract:

Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprophytic fungus with worldwide distribution and one of the three most common opportunistic pathogenic fungi infecting human in clinical practice. It is the main pathogen of invasive aspergillosis. A. fumigatus can produce two types of melanins: dihydroxynaphthalene melanin (DHN-melanin) and pyomelanin. We introduce the latest progress in the melanins of A. fumigatus in terms of the production pathways, functions, and interactions with the host immune system. This review aims to deepen our understanding of the pathophysiological features of A. fumigatus and provide a theoretical basis for the rapid diagnosis of A. fumigatus infection and the development of antifungal drugs.

Key words:Aspergillus fumigatus;DHN-melanin;pyomelanin;genetic metabolism;function;pathogen-host interactions