Présentation
This project aims at comparing the pathogenesis of two Aspergillus species, A. fumigatus and A. flavus, which are the major aerial fungal pathogens in France and India. The focus of our project is to analyse the differential interactions of A. fumigatus and A. flavus with their host system in the context of their specific pathologies, aspergillosis and keratitis, respectively. Understanding the phagocytic responses toward Aspergillus morphotypes (dormant/germinating) will allow us to understand the common and unique pathogenic mechanisms, particularly at the early stage of infection. Identifying and characterizing the fungal cell surface components that modulate the host immune response combined with an in-depth analysis of the immunogenic functions of the fungal cell wall polysaccharides is important to identify newer targets for anti-fungal therapy.