Dermatophyte Immune Memory Is Only Skin-Deep

A new report in this issue of Journal of Investigative Dermatology reveals a role for IL-17 and IFN-gamma, signature cytokines of T-helper 17 and T-helper 1 cells, in immunity to Trichophyton benhamiae ( Heinen et al., 2018 ). While there have been many recent advances in understanding host defenses against common fungi, this work illuminates not only adaptive immunity, but also innate immune responses to dermatophytosis.