Immunology of fungal infections: lessons learned from animal models

► Animal models are vital for deciphering protective immunity against fungi. ► Activation of C-type lectin signaling induces protective antifungal responses. ► Th1 and Th17-type cells are critical mediators of antifungal immune responses. ► Naturally occurring IgM augments protective immune responses against fungi. ► MAbs targeting antigens common among fungi can mediate broad-spectrum protection.