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Candida and AIDS: evidence for protective antibody
R Matthews1, J Burnie, D Smith
1Department of Medical Microbiology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London.
Lancet (London, England)
|July 30, 1988
Summary
Humoral immunity, specifically antibodies to the 47 kD antigen of Candida albicans, is crucial for overcoming systemic candidosis. This antibody may aid in treating and preventing disseminated fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- T lymphocytes are vital for superficial candidosis, but humoral immunity is key for systemic infections.
- An antibody response to Candida albicans' 47 kD antigen correlates with recovery from systemic candidosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of humoral immunity and antibodies to the 47 kD antigen in systemic candidosis.
- To explore the implications of antibody presence in patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidosis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Main Methods:
- Clinical observations and animal models of candidosis were utilized.
- The association between antibody response to the 47 kD antigen and patient recovery was examined.
Main Results:
- Antibody production against the 47 kD antigen is consistently linked to recovery from systemic candidosis.
- The presence of this antibody may explain the low incidence of disseminated candidal infections in patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidosis and AIDS.
- Polyclonal B cell activation might drive antibody production in AIDS patients.
Conclusions:
- Antibody to the 47 kD antigen shows potential for treating and preventing systemic candidosis.
- This antibody is unlikely to be effective against the superficial candidosis seen in AIDS patients.