Gliotoxin: A potent mycotoxin doorway to fungal infections

Gliotoxin is a powerful mould mycotoxin produced primarily by Aspergillus fumigatus, but also by other moulds like Candida albicans.

It plays a crucial role in establishing fungal infections by weakening the body's immune defences, thus creating an ideal environment for fungal pathogens to colonise.

HOW DOES GLIOTOXIN DO THIS?

1. It inhibits the immune system by directly impairing the function of macrophages, neutrophils and T-cells, all essential for fighting off infections. This immune suppression creates an opportunity for fungal organisms to establish themselves in the body
   
   Normally, the immune system uses ROS (reactive oxygen species) to kill invading pathogens. Gliotoxin suppresses its production, diminishing the body's ability to neutralise fungal invaders

2. Gliotoxin also induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in immune cells like neutrophils and T-cells. By triggering this process, it eliminates the body's first line of defence, opening the door for fungal invasion

3. It promotes the formation of biofilms too, protective barriers that shield fungal colonies from the immune system and antifungal treatments, making infections harder to eradicate

4. In short, Gliotoxin acts early in the infection process by creating a "safe space" for moulds, particularly Aspergillus, to grow and spread. By dampening the immune system, it allows fungi to thrive in tissues like the lungs, sinuses and gastrointestinal tract, setting the stage for deeper fungal colonisation

It's possible to deal with Gliotoxin, but knowing which stage of colonisation someone is experiencing can be important as some forms of support appropriate for later can promote its proliferation.

For example, while zinc is a glutathione precursor, and glutathione can assist the immune system, it can also support Aspergillus to make Gliotoxin