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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Passive Administration of Monoclonal Antibodies Against H. capsulatum and Others Fungal Pathogens
Published on: February 14, 2011
Immunogenicity of Ribosomal Preparations from Yeast Cells of Histoplasma capsulatum
1Department of Microbiology and Bureau of Biological Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903.
Abstract:
Protective immunity was elicited by immunization of mice with ribosomal preparations from yeast cells of Histoplasma capsulatum. Ribosomes from disrupted cells were isolated by differential centrifugation using sodium dodecyl sulfate. These preparations contained 55% protein and 45% ribonucleic acid and sedimented as a single peak with a sedimentation coefficient of 77S on sucrose density gradient analysis. Mice immunized subcutaneously with ribosomes, with or without adjuvant, were challenged intravenously with 8 x 10(6) yeast cells of H. capsulatum. Significant protection was induced by ribosomes and was greatly enhanced by adjuvants. Protection measured by 30-day survival compared favorably with the immunoprotection assessed by absence of lung lesions and negative spleen cultures. Treatment of ribosomes with ribonuclease before immunization reduced protection by 85%, whereas trypsin and Pronase reduced the protection by 50 to 55%. These findings indicate that both intact ribosomal ribonucleic acid and protein are necessary for maximal immunogenicity of Histoplasma ribosomes.
Insights
Immunizing mice with Histoplasma capsulatum ribosomes induced protective immunity against fungal infection. This protection was significantly enhanced by adjuvants and required both ribosomal RNA and protein for maximal effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungal pathogen causing histoplasmosis.
- Developing effective vaccines against fungal infections is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunogenicity of Histoplasma capsulatum ribosomes.
- To determine the role of ribosomal components in inducing protective immunity.
Main Methods:
- Ribosomes were isolated from yeast cells using differential centrifugation.
- Ribosomal preparations were analyzed for protein and RNA content.
- Mice were immunized with ribosomes and challenged with H. capsulatum.
- Protection was assessed by survival rates, lung lesions, and spleen cultures.
Main Results:
- Ribosomal preparations induced significant protective immunity in mice.
- Adjuvants greatly enhanced the protective effects of ribosome immunization.
- Ribonuclease treatment reduced protection by 85%, while proteases reduced it by 50-55%.
Conclusions:
- Histoplasma capsulatum ribosomes are immunogenic and elicit protective immunity.
- Both ribosomal RNA and protein are essential for maximal immunogenicity.
- Ribosome-based vaccines, potentially with adjuvants, show promise for histoplasmosis prevention.
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