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Updated: May 24, 2026
Passive Administration of Monoclonal Antibodies Against H. capsulatum and Others Fungal Pathogens
Published on: February 14, 2011
Antibody therapy for histoplasmosis
Joshua D Nosanchuk1, Rosely M Zancopé-Oliveira, Andrew J Hamilton
1Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx, NY, USA.
Abstract:
The endemic human pathogenic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum is a major fungal pathogen with a broad variety of clinical presentations, ranging from mild, focal pulmonary disease to life-threatening systemic infections. Although azoles, such as itraconazole and voriconazole, and amphotericin B have significant activity against H. capsulatum, about 1 in 10 patients hospitalized due to histoplasmosis die. Hence, new approaches for managing disease are being sought. Over the past 10 years, studies have demonstrated that monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can modify the pathogenesis of histoplasmosis. Disease has been shown to be impacted by mAbs targeting either fungal cell surface proteins or host co-stimulatory molecules. This review will detail our current knowledge regarding the impact of antibody therapy on histoplasmosis.
Insights
New antibody therapies show promise in treating histoplasmosis, a serious fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. Monoclonal antibodies targeting fungal or host molecules offer potential new strategies for managing this disease.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Histoplasma capsulatum is an endemic fungus causing diverse clinical presentations of histoplasmosis, from mild to life-threatening systemic infections.
- Current treatments like azoles and amphotericin B are effective but mortality remains significant, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of antibody therapy's impact on histoplasmosis pathogenesis.
- To explore the potential of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as a novel treatment strategy.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on antibody therapy for histoplasmosis over the past 10 years.
- Analysis of studies investigating mAbs targeting fungal cell surface proteins and host co-stimulatory molecules.
Main Results:
- Monoclonal antibodies have demonstrated the ability to modulate the pathogenesis of histoplasmosis.
- Targeting either fungal or host molecules with mAbs can impact disease progression.
Conclusions:
- Antibody-based therapies represent a promising avenue for managing histoplasmosis.
- Further research into mAb mechanisms and clinical efficacy is warranted for this significant fungal pathogen.
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