New insights into host–dermatophyte interactions: pathogenesis, host defense mechanisms, and emerging clinical challenges

Superficial dermatophyte infections are a common cause of fungal diseases worldwide. These filamentous fungi specialize in degrading keratinized tissues (skin, hair, nails) and show an evolutionary trajectory from zoophilic species to anthropophilic species. In recent years, major human pathogens have emerged from the Trichophyton genus, such as T. indotineae, causing outbreaks of chronic, extensive, and difficult-to-treat dermatophytoses. Herein, we discuss recent findings on host-dermatophyte