Monoclonal Antibodies and Invasive Aspergillosis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Perspectives

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a life-threatening fungal disease that causes high morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed patients. Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment of IA remain challenging. Given the broad range of non-specific clinical symptoms and the shortcomings of current diagnostic techniques, most patients are either diagnosed as possible or probable cases but not proven. Moreover, because of the lack of sensitive and specific tests, many high-risk patients receive an empirical therapy or a prolonged treatment of high-priced antifungal agents, leading to unnecessary adverse effects and a high risk of drug resistance. More precise diagnostic techniques alongside a targeted antifungal treatment are fundamental requirements for reducing the morbidity and mortality of IA. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with high specificity in targeting the corresponding antigen(s) may have the potential to improve diagnostic tests and form the basis for novel IA treatments. This review summarizes the up-to-date application of mAb-based approaches in assisting IA diagnosis and therapy.

Automated summary

Invasive aspergillosis is a life-threatening fungal disease that poses challenges for early and accurate diagnosis and treatment. Current diagnostic techniques are inadequate, resulting in patients being diagnosed as possible or probable cases without confirmation. Therefore, more precise diagnostic techniques and targeted antifungal treatments are needed.