Fungal Cell Wall and Immune Response

Recent findings on the role of the cell wall of pathogenetic fungi in the pathogenic processes of both vertebrates and invertebrates are presented in this book. The fungal cell wall not only gives shape to the fungus, but it is a dynamic structure allowing fungal growth and survival of fungi in both friendly and adverse environments. It acts as a living sieve controlling the entry of nutrients and the secretion of metabolic products. In terms of fungal pathogenesis, the fungal wall may be responsible for eliciting the defence response of their respective invertebrate or vertebrate hosts or, conversely, it may provide protection against the host defence system during the pathogenic process. This book of proceedings on mycology, immunology of vertebrates and invertebrates and biochemistry is intended for researchers and advanced students.