Theme IV: Host-fungus interactions and key mediators of disease establishment and progression at molecular, cellular and organismal levels

MRC CMM scientists have significantly advanced our understanding of host-fungal interactions, and over the next five years our objective is to utilise innovative cutting-edge in silico, in vitro and in vivo technologies to define new critical components involved in temporal host fungal interactions at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels. Here, we will establish the impact on disease pathogenesis of the extracellular environment (and its physical characteristics) as well as the key mechanisms underlying host-fungal genetic, epigenetic, transcriptional, metabolic, cellular and immunological responses. Several novel models are being established to facilitate this research, including Arabian killifish (which can live at 37ºC), Galleria mellonella with fluorescently-marked hemocytes, and tissue organoids (including human brain slice culture systems).