ITGB2 and fungal infectious disease: Notably, IL-12 activated CD8þ lymphocytes play a role in directly hindering fungal growth, IL-12 activated NK cells release IFN-γ directly, and the SD11b/CD18 molecule serves as the primary structure in the attachment of lymphocytes to the fungal hypha.25, 27Lymphocytes serve as the host's primary defense against fungal infections of the mucosal surfaces and epidermis.