Mechanistic insights into granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in combating fungal infections: Diverse fungal pathogens

Abstract Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has been used for its immunomodulatory properties to enhance therapeutic outcomes and improve cure rates in fungal infections. However, the mechanisms of GM-CSF action in various fungal infections have not been systematically summarized in current literature, and the reliability and broad effectiveness of clinical data remain uncertain. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of how GM-CSF supports host defense against infections caused by specific fungal pathogens. These pathogens include yeasts (Candida spp., Cryptococcus spp.), filamentous fungi (Aspergillus spp., Mucorales, dematiaceous fungi), and thermally dimorphic fungi (Histoplasma capsulatum, Talaromyces marneffei, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, and Blastomyces dermatitidis). These insights underscore the potential of GM-CSF as a promising adjunctive therapy in combating challenging fungal infections.