Opportunistic fungi and fungal infections: the challenge of a single, general antifungal vaccine

Authors: Cassone, Antonio; Torosantucci, Antonella

Source: Expert Review of Vaccines, Volume 5, Number 6, December 2006 , pp. 859-867(9)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $73.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

A vaccine made up by an algal β-glucan (laminarin), conjugated with a protein component, protects against infections by different fungi and induces antibodies capable of inhibiting fungal growth. Although taking a premium on a common molecular theme, this remains a sort of `cross-kingdom' vaccine because the immunizing antigen and the vaccination target belong to organisms from two different kingdoms and this is certainly the first case in the field of human vaccines. Thus, it is possible to convey in a single immunological tool the potential to protect against multiple infections, in theory all those caused by β-glucan-expressing fungi. The generation of antibodies with the potential to directly inhibit the growth of, or kill the fungal cells also opens an exciting perspective for both active and passive vaccination in immunocompromised subjects.

Keywords: antibodies; antifungal therapy; β-glucan; passive vaccination; prevention; antibodies; vaccines

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1586/14760584.5.6.859

Publication date: 2006-12-01

More about this publication?

Expert Review of Vaccines provides expert reviews on the clinical effectiveness of new vaccines. Coverage includes vaccine technology, vaccine adjuvants, prophylactic vaccines, therapeutic vaccines, AIDS vaccines and vaccines in bioterrorism.
Editorial Board
Information for Authors
Submit a Paper
Subscribe to this Title
Information for Advertisers
Terms & Conditions
Information for Librarians
Free Trials
ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites