Contributes to surface hydrophobicity, which is important for processes such as association of hyphae in reproductive structures, dispersal of aerial spores and adhesion of pathogens to host structures. Prevents recognition by the cellular immune defense system. Leads to a 'wettable' phenotype with drops of water attaching to the mycelium, whereas water drops off the wild-type colonies. Conidia show a strongly reduced tendency to float at the water-air interface of conidial suspensions. Triggers an increased activation of human neutrophil granulocytes and dendritic cells, characterized by an increased release of the immune mediators interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Belongs to the fungal hydrophobin family.