Human pathogenic fungi are major causes of illness and death in immunocompromised patients, including those with HIV/AIDS, undergoing chemotherapy, or receiving immunosuppressive therapies for autoimmune disease or transplants. In addition, the rise of multidrug-resistant fungi like Candida auris has heightened global public health concerns. 

Recent scientific advances have uncovered fungal virulence factors and host immune vulnerabilities, revealing how the immune system recognizes and responds to fungal infections. Discoveries of monogenic immune disorders and development of relevant animal models have illuminated cell-, tissue-, and fungus-specific immune pathways. Together, these advances are guiding targeted treatment strategies against fungal pathogens. 

This meeting will bring together experts in fungal pathogenesis and immunology to share emerging insights into antifungal defenses. The goal is to inform precision medicine approaches—including risk assessment, prevention, treatment, and vaccination—for protecting vulnerable populations from life-threatening fungal infections. 

In the video below, meeting organizers Drs. Scott G. Filler, Rebecca Drummond, and Iliyan D. Iliev talk about what to expect from this meeting:

Also, check out the speaker highlights: