Jerusalem, 27 October, 2025 (TPS-IL) — israeli scientists have discovered that eosinophils, immune cells usually linked to allergies, can also help fight dangerous fungal infections — a finding that could point to new ways to boost the body’s natural defenses, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem announced on Monday.
The study, led by PhD candidates Ilan Zaffran and Prince Ofori and postdoctoral fellow Pratibha Gaur under Prof. Francesca Levi-Schaffer, found that these cells use a receptor called CD48 to detect Candida albicans and release proteins that stop the fungus from growing, opening the door to potential therapies that enhance immune protection against life-threatening infections.
“Far from being only culprits in allergic disease, they may actually be allies in fighting dangerous infections,” the research team said.
Candida albicans is a type of yeast, a fungus, that normally lives in small amounts on the skin without causing harm. While harmless in most healthy people, C. albicans can cause infections when the body’s natural defenses are weakened. C. albicans is a leading cause of hospital-acquired fungal infections, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems, central venous catheters, or recent surgery.
While eosinophils are best known for their roles in asthma and allergy, their contribution to infection control has been less understood. The Hebrew University findings indicate that these white blood cells actively recognize and combat fungal pathogens.
The study identified CD48 as a crucial receptor on eosinophils. When CD48 binds to a fungal surface protein called Als6, it triggers the cells to release proteins, including major basic protein 1 (MBP-1), which inhibit the fungus’s growth and survival.
“This pathway shows us that eosinophils are not passive bystanders in infection — they can sense danger and respond directly,” Zaffran explained.
By revealing the CD48–Als6 mechanism, the research reshapes understanding of eosinophils and points to potential therapeutic applications. Harnessing this pathway could enhance eosinophil activity, helping the immune system fight invasive C. albicans infections in vulnerable patients. The proteins released by these cells, such as MBP-1, could also inspire the development of novel antifungal drugs or biologics, offering new tools against infections that are increasingly resistant to current treatments.
Levi-Schaffer noted, “Understanding how eosinophils fight fungal infections opens doors to innovative treatments that work with the body’s own defenses rather than relying solely on medications.”
The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications.
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