β-Glucans, Pneumocystis jirovecii and Atherogenic Inflammation: From Pulmonary Immunity to Cardiovascular Risk
https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/12/6/434
A new review published in Journal of Fungi explores the potential link between Pneumocystis jirovecii, β-glucan-mediated inflammation, and cardiovascular risk. The article highlights how fungal β-glucans may contribute to pulmonary and systemic inflammatory responses, providing new perspectives on the possible connections between Pneumocystis exposure and atherogenic inflammation.
Members of the COST Action CA23142 – Delve-into-Pneumocystis network have contributed to a new review published in Journal of Fungi examining the emerging relationship between Pneumocystis jirovecii, β-glucans, systemic inflammation, and cardiovascular risk.
The review discusses how β-glucans derived from P. jirovecii can activate innate immune pathways and promote inflammatory responses extending beyond the lung. This persistent immune activation may contribute to systemic inflammation and potentially influence mechanisms involved in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
The authors also highlight the importance of distinguishing fungal β-glucans from dietary β-glucans, which may exert different immunological and metabolic effects. Understanding these differences is essential for clarifying the potential contribution of P. jirovecii exposure or colonization to vascular inflammation.
By connecting pulmonary fungal exposure with systemic and cardiovascular inflammatory pathways, this work broadens the perspective on the potential clinical implications of P. jirovecii beyond classical Pneumocystis pneumonia and identifies important areas for future research.
Article reference
Castillo JC, Iglesias E, Castillo J, Fonte L, Aragón-López CE, Cueto-Aragón CL, Palomares-Marín J, Carrillo-Núñez GG, Ortiz B, Beltrán-Romero LM, Pérez-Gómez HR, de Armas Y, Calderón EJ.
β-Glucans, Pneumocystis jirovecii and Atherogenic Inflammation: From Pulmonary Immunity to Cardiovascular Risk.
Journal of Fungi. 2026;12(6):434.
DOI: 10.3390/jof12060434
