Invasive Fungal Infections as a Complication of New Therapies

Novel biologic therapies in the form of monoclonal antibodies and small molecule kinase inhibitors have transformed the management of several autoimmune, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases. However, some of these biologics produce complex immunodeficiency states that heighten the risk of opportunistic infections, including invasive fungal infections (IFIs). In this focused review, we outline the antifungal immune defects conferred by novel biologics and discuss the IFIs they predispose to. A better understanding of the immune pathways disrupted by biologics and the IFI susceptibilities they promote should help improve prophylaxis, diagnosis, and treatment for IFIs in patients receiving biologic agents.