Model α-mannoside conjugates: Immunogenicity and induction of candidacidal activity

Abstract

The effect of Candida cell wall mannan-derived α-oligomannoside structural components on the modulation of the immune system and their role in protective immunity are studied here. Semi-synthetic α-mannoside-bovine serum albumin conjugates were used for immunization of rabbits. Dimeric α-mannoside, representing Candida antigenic factor 1, was used as a model of linear α-mannoside, and pentameric α-mannoside was used as a model of branched oligomannoside side chain structure. The induction of humoral immune response and the functionality of the serum tested by induction of peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) candidacidal activity are documented. Anti-Candida albicans serotype B immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) levels were higher than anti-serotype A following immunization with both conjugates. Dimer-conjugate postimmunization sera evidently enhanced C. albicans killing activity of PBLs in candidacidal assay. The study shows the importance of α-mannoside structures in perspective anti-Candida vaccine with a broad spectrum of effectiveness. © 2010 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.