Contribution of gliotoxin to aspergillosis

Aspergillus species (spp.) are medically important pathogens that cause aspergillosis, and A. fumigatus is the most prevalent causative agent of the disease. Aspergillus spp. produce various secondary metabolites; however, the role of these metabolites in aspergillosis remains unclear. Gliotoxin is a major secondary metabolite produced by A. fumigatus. Several recent studies have reported that gliotoxin contributes to the virulence of A. fumigatus. Here I review studies related to gliotoxin and its contribution to the infection caused by A. fumigatus.