The Zebrafish as a Model Host for Invasive Fungal Infections

Abstract

The zebrafish has become a widely accepted model host for studies of infectious disease, including fungal infections. The species is genetically tractable, and the larvae are transparent and amenable to prolonged in vivo imaging and small molecule screening. The aim of this review is to provide a thorough introduction into the published studies of fungal infection in the zebrafish and the specific ways in which this model has benefited the field. In doing so, we hope to provide potential new zebrafish researchers with a snapshot of the current toolbox and prior results, while illustrating how the model has been used well and where the unfulfilled potential of this model can be found.

Keywords

• zebrafish
• <i>Candida</i>
• <i>Aspergillus</i>
• <i>Cryptococcus</i>
• mucormycosis
• <i>Talaromyces</i>
• macrophage
• neutrophil
• innate immunity
• host–pathogen interactions