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Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
08:48

Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis

Published on: March 19, 2019

A cell surface/plasma membrane antigen of Candida albicans

R K Li1, J E Cutler

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Montana State University, Bozeman 59717.

Journal of General Microbiology
|March 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

A novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) 10G specifically targets a non-protein antigen on Candida species. This antigen is concentrated on the plasma membrane and cell wall, offering potential for diagnostic applications.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Candida albicans is a significant human pathogen.
  • Understanding cell surface antigens is crucial for diagnostics and therapeutics.
  • Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) offer high specificity for antigen detection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and characterize a monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting Candida albicans.
  • To determine the cellular location and nature of the recognized antigen.
  • To assess the specificity of the mAb against various fungal species.

Main Methods:

  • Hybridoma technology for mAb production.
  • Immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) with freeze-substitution and chemical fixation.
  • Treatment of cells and antigen with enzymes and heat.
  • Agglutination assays with various fungal strains.

Main Results:

  • mAb 10G was generated, recognizing a cell wall and plasma membrane antigen on Candida species.
  • The antigen was detected on C. albicans and related species but not on other fungi.
  • IEM confirmed antigen localization on the plasma membrane and cell wall.
  • Surface antigen removal by beta-mercaptoethanol and Zymolyase, but not by proteases or heat, suggests a non-protein epitope.

Conclusions:

  • mAb 10G identifies a specific, non-protein antigen predominantly on the plasma membrane of Candida species.
  • This mAb has potential as a diagnostic tool for candidiasis.
  • Further characterization of the antigen could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.

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