This week’s research highlights new insights into eosinophil activity in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), promising diagnostic methods for invasive aspergillosis, and experimental approaches to understanding antifungal susceptibility and host defence.
The following selection covers recent clinical and laboratory research, including peer-reviewed publications and preprints. Findings from experimental studies should not be interpreted as established changes to clinical practice.
1. Eosinophil extracellular traps and mucus plugging in ABPA
Sasaki H et al. IFN-γ-NOD2/IL-5-FCGR axis enhances eosinophil extracellular trap formation in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis/mycosis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 20 October 2026.
This study investigated why eosinophils in patients with ABPA or allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM) may contribute to the formation of the characteristic tenacious mucus plugs found in affected airways.
Using transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, the researchers compared eosinophils from patients with ABPA/M, eosinophilic asthma and healthy controls. They identified interacting inflammatory pathways involving interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IL-5 and NOD2-related signalling that enhanced IgG-triggered eosinophil extracellular trap formation.
These extracellular traps contain DNA and cellular material released by eosinophils and may contribute to mucus plugging. The investigators also identified changes in ICAM-1, PD-L1 and Fc gamma receptor expression associated with eosinophil activation.
Clinical significance: The findings provide a more detailed mechanistic explanation for eosinophil-associated airway pathology in ABPA. They support further investigation of inflammatory pathways involved in mucus plugging, although the study does not establish a new therapeutic intervention.
2. New galactomannan chemiluminescence assay for invasive aspergillosis
Xiao Y et al. A novel Aspergillus galactomannan chemiluminescence immunoassay: Evaluation for diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a multicenter controlled study. Medical Mycology, 21 October 2026.
This multicentre retrospective study evaluated a chemiluminescence immunoassay (GM-CLIA) for detecting Aspergillus galactomannan antigen in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).
The evaluation included 246 serum and 228 BALF samples from patients with and without invasive aspergillosis.
- Serum sensitivity: 93.97%
- Serum specificity: 97.46%
- BALF sensitivity: 93.58%
- BALF specificity: 95.76%
Results correlated strongly with the established galactomannan enzyme immunoassay.
Clinical significance: Chemiluminescence testing may offer an efficient alternative laboratory method for galactomannan detection. The promising diagnostic performance requires prospective validation, particularly across different clinical populations and disease-risk groups.
3. Disrupting septin function increases susceptibility to caspofungin
Busch RJ et al. Deletion of core septin gene aspB in Aspergillus fumigatus results in fungicidal activity of caspofungin. Molecular Biology of the Cell, 26 October 2026.
Echinocandins such as caspofungin are generally fungistatic rather than reliably fungicidal against Aspergillus fumigatus.
This experimental study examined septins, structural proteins involved in fungal cell organisation and responses to cell-wall stress.
Deletion of the septin gene aspB increased susceptibility to caspofungin and reduced fungal viability following treatment. In a neutropenic mouse model of invasive aspergillosis, caspofungin treatment improved survival and reduced fungal burden in animals infected with the mutant strain.
Proteomic analyses also identified candidate proteins associated with septin-dependent responses to cell-wall stress.
Clinical significance: The study identifies fungal stress-response mechanisms that could potentially be targeted to improve echinocandin activity. However, genetic deletion in experimental strains does not demonstrate that an equivalent therapeutic strategy is currently feasible in patients.
4. Ribosome biogenesis and fungal survival during host stress
Adeoye JA et al. Ribosomal biogenesis factor links ribosome homeostasis to host relevant stress survival in Aspergillus fumigatus. bioRxiv, 26 October 2026. Preprint.
Find the preprint in Europe PMC
This research examines the role of the ribosome biogenesis factor BFR2 in maintaining fungal cellular function and surviving stresses encountered during infection.
Experimental depletion of BFR2 was associated with impaired stress tolerance and reduced survival during host immune interactions, suggesting a connection between ribosome homeostasis and fungal pathogenicity.
Research significance: The findings suggest that ribosome biogenesis and its associated stress-response pathways deserve further investigation as potential antifungal targets.
Evidence status: Preprint; not yet peer reviewed.
5. Macrophage oxidative responses restrict Aspergillus growth
Goins ML et al. Macrophage PHOX restricts Aspergillus fumigatus germination and hyphal development through ROS-dependent immunity. bioRxiv, 19 October 2026. Preprint.
This experimental study investigates the contribution of phagocyte NADPH oxidase (PHOX) and reactive oxygen species to macrophage-mediated control of Aspergillus fumigatus.
It focuses on the ability of macrophages to restrict fungal germination and hyphal development, processes central to early host defence against invasive aspergillosis.
Research significance: Understanding how macrophages control distinct stages of fungal development may help clarify susceptibility to invasive infection and identify additional host-defence mechanisms for future investigation.
Evidence status: Preprint; not yet peer reviewed.
6. Eosinophilic inflammation and type 2 pathways in bronchiectasis
Liang L et al. Eosinophilic and type 2 inflammation in bronchiectasis: from phenotype recognition toward endotype-informed therapy. Frontiers in Medicine, October 2026. Review.
Although bronchiectasis has traditionally been associated with predominantly neutrophilic inflammation, a subgroup of patients exhibits eosinophilic and type 2 inflammatory characteristics.
This review examines the evidence for these phenotypes and considers their implications for more individualised treatment approaches.
Clinical significance: The review provides useful context for understanding inflammatory heterogeneity in bronchiectasis and the relationship between bronchiectasis, asthma and ABPA. It also highlights the need to distinguish bronchiectasis-associated eosinophilia from established ABPA when considering targeted treatment.
Additional research of interest
Antifungal resistance surveillance in China
Wang H et al. Antifungal resistance landscapes in major fungal pathogens in Zhejiang, China. Fungal Biology and Biotechnology, 22 October 2026.
This regional surveillance study contributes to understanding the distribution of antifungal resistance among clinically important fungi. Such surveillance is important for detecting emerging resistance patterns, although regional findings cannot automatically be generalised to other healthcare settings.
Invasive tracheobronchial aspergillosis without classic immunosuppression
Nguyen-Cong HA et al. Bronchoscopic phenotypes and anatomical airway involvement in invasive tracheobronchial aspergillosis without classic immunosuppression: association with in-hospital mortality. Infectious Diseases, 22 October 2026.
This study examines bronchoscopic patterns and airway involvement in patients with invasive tracheobronchial aspergillosis who lack conventional immunosuppressive risk factors. It highlights the importance of recognising invasive Aspergillus disease beyond traditionally defined high-risk populations.
Early invasive aspergillosis following liver transplantation
Zhang Y et al. Early invasive aspergillosis after liver transplantation: A matched case-control analysis of clinical features and risk factors in a Chinese cohort. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 24 October 2026.
This study investigates clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with early invasive aspergillosis after liver transplantation, a setting in which timely recognition and risk assessment are particularly important.
Does increased testing influence reported invasive aspergillosis incidence?
Choi CJ et al. Temporal trends in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis among critically ill patients: Serum galactomannan testing intensity and host risk status. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 20 October 2026.
This study examines trends in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis alongside changes in serum galactomannan testing and host risk characteristics.
Clinical significance: Changes in diagnostic testing intensity should be considered when interpreting reported trends in invasive aspergillosis, since observed case numbers may reflect both underlying disease burden and changes in detection.
Summary for clinical practice and research
Three developments are particularly noteworthy this week:
- ABPA pathophysiology: New evidence connects inflammatory signalling pathways with eosinophil extracellular trap formation, potentially contributing to mucus plugging.
- Diagnosis: A multicentre evaluation suggests promising performance for a chemiluminescence-based galactomannan assay, although further validation is needed.
- Antifungal research: Studies of septins, ribosome biogenesis and macrophage oxidative responses identify mechanisms that may inform future antifungal and host-directed strategies.
These studies advance understanding of aspergillosis but do not, individually, establish changes to current diagnostic or treatment guidelines.
Prepared for the National Aspergillosis Centre professional research updates. This summary is intended for education and research awareness and should be interpreted alongside the original publications and current clinical guidance.
Further information from the National Aspergillosis Centre
Explore our related information hubs for background on the conditions, diagnostic methods and treatments discussed in this week’s research:
- ABPA Hub – allergic inflammation, eosinophils, mucus plugging and biologic treatments.
- Diagnostics & Monitoring Hub – galactomannan testing, fungal diagnostics and monitoring.
- Antifungals Hub – antifungal medicines, resistance, monitoring and emerging treatments.
- Immune System Hub – host defence, inflammatory pathways and immune responses to Aspergillus.
- Research Hub – new developments in aspergillosis diagnosis, treatment and research.
- Updates for Professionals – further research summaries, clinical evidence and professional resources.
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