A monoclonal antibody that defines a surface antigen on Candida albicans hyphae cross-reacts with yeast cell protoplasts

Recognition of Candida albicans Als3 by the germ tube-specific monoclonal antibody 3D9.3

Monoclonal antibody 3D9.3 (MAb 3D9.3) reacts with the surface of Candida albicans germ tubes and recognizes a protein epitope. We used a two-step chromatography procedure to purify and identify the antigen (3D9) from C. albicans strain 66396 germ tubes. MAb 3D9.3 recognized two intense protein bands at 140 and 180 kDa. A comparative analysis between theoretical and experimental mass spectrum peaks showed that both bands corresponded to Als3. This conclusion was supported by lack of reactivity between MAb 3D9.3 and an als3Delta/als3Delta mutant strain, and the fact that an immunoglobulin preparation enriched for Als3 specificity recognized the purified 3D9 antigen. PCR demonstrated that C. albicans strain 66396 has two different-sized ALS3 alleles that correspond to the two purified protein bands. Strain- and species-specificity of the 3D9 epitope were studied with various C. albicans strains and Candida species, such as closely related Candida dubliniensis. The 3D9 epitope was detected only in C. albicans, demonstrating the utility of MAb 3D9.3 for differentiation between C. albicans and C. dubliniensis. Adhesion assays demonstrated that MAb 3D9.3 blocks adhesion of C. albicans germ tubes to human buccal epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells.

Differentiation of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis by using recombinant human antibody single-chain variable fragments specific for hyphae

To identify antigens specific for the filamentous form of Candida albicans, a combinatorial phage display library expressing human immunoglobulin heavy and light chain variable regions was used to select phage clones capable of binding to the surfaces of viable C. albicans filaments. Eight distinct phage clones that bound specifically to filament surface antigens not expressed on blastoconidia were identified. Single-chain antibody variable fragments (scFv) derived from two of these phage clones (scFv5 and scFv12) were characterized in detail. Filament-specific antigen expression was detected by an indirect immunofluorescence assay. ScFv5 reacted with C. dubliniensis filaments, while scFv12 did not. Neither scFv reacted with C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. rugosa, C. tropicalis, or Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown under conditions that stimulated filament formation in C. albicans and C. dubliniensis. Epitope detection by the two scFv was sensitive to proteinase K treatment but not to periodate treatment, indicating that the cognate epitopes were composed of protein. The antigens reactive with scFv5 and scFv12 were extractable from the cell surface with Zymolyase, but not with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 2-mercaptoethanol, and migrated as polydisperse, high-molecular-weight bands on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gels. The epitopes were detected on clinical specimens obtained from infants with thrush and urinary candidiasis without passage of the organisms on laboratory media, confirming epitope expression in human infection. The availability of a monoclonal immunologic reagent that recognizes filaments from both C. albicans and C. dubliniensis and another specific only to C. albicans adds to the repertoire of potential diagnostic reagents for differentiation between these closely related species.

Expression cloning of the Candida albicans CSA1 gene encoding a mycelial surface antigen by sorting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae transformants with monoclonal antibody-coated magnetic beads

The mycelial surface antigen recognized by monoclonal antibody (mAb) 4E1 has previously been shown to be present predominantly in the terminal third of the hyphal structures in Candida albicans. We report here the expression cloning of the corresponding gene (CSA1 ) by mAb 4E1-coated magnetic beads sorting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae transformants expressing a C. albicans genomic library. The strategy is both highly selective and highly sensitive and provides an additional genetic tool for the cloning and characterization of C. albicans genes encoding surface proteins. CSA1 is an intronless gene encoding a 1203-residue protein composed of repetitive motifs and domains. Northern analysis indicates that CSA1 is preferentially expressed during the mycelial growth phase, although a low level of CSA1 mRNA can be detected in the yeast form. As evidenced by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy with mAb 4E1, Csa1p is not randomly distributed over the surface of yeast cells, but localizes predominantly in the growing buds. This suggests that the distribution of Csa1p may be restricted to sites of cell surface elongation. Both heterozygous and homozygous C. albicans csa1Delta mutants are viable. Upon induction of mycelial growth, the number and size of hyphal structures derived from the mutants are similar to those observed in the parental wild-type strain. The physiological role of Csa1p has yet to be determined. However, the presence in Csa1p of repeated cysteine-rich hydrophobic domains with significant sequence similarity to motifs found in surface proteins (Ag2 and Pth11) from two distantly related fungal pathogens (Coccidioides immitis and Magnaporthe grisea respectively) suggests a common function in host interaction.

New monoclonal antibody specific for Candida albicans germ tube

Hydrophobic components of the germ tube of the dimorphic pathogenic fungus Candida albicans were used as immunogens to prepare monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Among the resulting MAbs, one (MAb 16B1-F10) was shown by indirect immunofluorescence to be specific to the surface of the mycelium phase of the C. albicans and C. stellatoidea species. No labeling of any other genera and Candida species tested was observed, including C. dubliniensis, a newly described species which has many phenotypic similarities to C. albicans. This phase-specific epitope resides on a protein moiety. The molecular mass of the antigen released by Zymolyase digestion was determined by gel filtration and ranges from 25 to 166 kDa. The antigen was also shown to be highly hydrophobic. This anti-C. albicans cell wall surface-specific MAb may be a good candidate for use in tests for the rapid differentiation of the two closely related species C. albicans and C. dubliniensis.

Production, characterization, and epitope mapping of a monoclonal antibody against aspartic proteinase of Candida albicans

A monoclonal antibody (MAb; MAb CAP1) that was reactive with extracellular aspartic proteinase of Candida albicans (CAP) was produced. The MAb showed strong sensitivity and reactivity to CAP but not to the aspartic proteinases of Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, and Aspergillus fumigatus or to human cathepsin D or porcine pepsin. The epitope of the CAP recognized by the MAb was the proteinaseous part of CAP and the putative epitope of the MAb was located in the Asp77 to Gly103 sequence. This antibody could be useful for the characterization of CAP and would be a valuable probe for the detection of CAP antigen in the sera of patients with invasive candidiasis.

Cell wall and secreted proteins of Candida albicans: identification, function, and expression

The cell wall is essential to nearly every aspect of the biology and pathogenicity of Candida albicans. Although it was initially considered an almost inert cellular structure that protected the protoplast against osmotic offense, more recent studies have demonstrated that it is a dynamic organelle. The major components of the cell wall are glucan and chitin, which are associated with structural rigidity, and mannoproteins. The protein component, including both mannoprotein and nonmannoproteins, comprises some 40 or more moieties. Wall proteins may differ in their expression, secretion, or topological location within the wall structure. Proteins may be modified by glycosylation (primarily addition of mannose residues), phosphorylation, and ubiquitination. Among the secreted enzymes are those that are postulated to have substrates within the cell wall and those that find substrates in the extracellular environment. Cell wall proteins have been implicated in adhesion to host tissues and ligands. Fibrinogen, complement fragments, and several extracellular matrix components are among the host proteins bound by cell wall proteins. Proteins related to the hsp70 and hsp90 families of conserved stress proteins and some glycolytic enzyme proteins are also found in the cell wall, apparently as bona fide components. In addition, the expression of some proteins is associated with the morphological growth form of the fungus and may play a role in morphogenesis. Finally, surface mannoproteins are strong immunogens that trigger and modulate the host immune response during candidiasis.

Serologic response to cell wall mannoproteins and proteins of Candida albicans

The cell wall of Candida albicans not only is the structure in which many biological functions essential for the fungal cells reside but also is a significant source of candidal antigens. The major cell wall components that elicit a response from the host immune system are proteins and glycoproteins, the latter being predominantly mannoproteins. Both the carbohydrate and protein moieties are able to trigger immune responses. Although cell-mediated immunity is often considered to be the most important line of defense against candidiasis, cell wall protein and glycoprotein components also elicit a potent humoral response from the host that may include some protective antibodies. Proteins and glycoproteins exposed at the most external layers of the wall structure are involved in several types of interactions of fungal cells with the exocellular environment. Thus, coating of fungal cells with host antibodies has the potential to influence profoundly the host-parasite interaction by affecting antibody-mediated functions such as opsonin-enhanced phagocytosis and blocking the binding activity of fungal adhesins for host ligands. In this review, the various members of the protein and glycoprotein fraction of the C. albicans cell wall that elicit an antibody response in vivo are examined. Although a number of proteins have been shown to stimulate an antibody response, for some of these species the response is not universal. On the other hand, some of the studies demonstrate that certain cell wall antigens and anti-cell wall antibodies may be the basis for developing specific and sensitive serologic tests for the diagnosis of candidasis, particularly the disseminated form. In addition, recent studies have focused on the potential for antibodies to cell wall protein determinants to protect the host against infection. Hence, a better understanding of the humoral response to cell wall antigens of C. albicans may provide the basis for the development of (i) effective procedures for the serodiagnosis of disseminated candidiasis and (ii) novel prophylactic (vaccination) and therapeutic strategies for the management of this type of infection.

Expression of a 260 kDa neuroblastoma surface antigen, the target of cytotoxic natural human IgM: correlation to MYCN amplification and effects of retinoic acid

Human neuroblastoma cells contain a 260 kDa surface-associated antigen (NB-p260) that is recognised by natural cytotoxic IgM antibodies. In this study we demonstrate that NB-p260 is expressed in vivo in a neuroblastoma tumour specimen but not in normal human tissues of neuronal origin. Since MYCN amplification is a clinical marker of neuroblastoma disease progression, we analysed the expression of NB-p260 in human neuroblastoma cell lines with different MYCN amplification status. However, both amplified and non-amplified neuroblastoma cell lines exhibited comparable NB-p260 expression. Treatment of neuroblastoma cells with the differentiation-inducing agent retinoic acid (RA) also had no effect on the expression of NB-p260. Collectively, the data suggest that expression of NB-p260 on human neuroblastoma cells is independent of malignancy and differentiation status of neuroblastoma.

Cloning and characterization of CSP37, a novel gene encoding a putative membrane protein of Candida albicans

In the course of an analysis of the functions and assembly of the cell wall of Candida albicans, we have cloned and characterized a gene, which we designated CSP37 (cell surface protein), encoding a 37-kDa polypeptide which is a membrane-associated protein. The gene was isolated by immunological screening of a DNA library constructed from mycelial cells with a polyclonal serum raised against cell walls of this morphology. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of a corresponding genomic DNA fragment revealed a single open reading frame which encodes a predicted protein of 321 amino acids with no significant homology to others in the databases. Disruption of the CSP37 gene by the method described by Fonzi and Irwin (Genetics 134:717-728, 1993) eliminated expression of the Csp37 protein. The mutant strains showed no apparent defect in cell viability, growth, or cell wall assembly but displayed attenuated virulence in systemic infections induced in mice and reduced the ability to adhere to polystyrene.

Monoclonal antibodies as probes for fungal wall structure during morphogenesis

Three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), S4D1, S3B3 and S1E5, were produced from hybridoma cell lines raised from mice immunized with hyphal walls of Neurospora crassa and one (Pax-1) from mice immunized with hyphal walls of Paxillus involutus. In immunofluorescence studies, the three N. crassa mAbs recognized epitopes with different patterns of distribution at the hyphal surface of N. crassa. S4D1 recognized an epitope which was present on the surface of both conidia and hyphae; S3B3 recognized an epitope seen only at the ends of conidia or in the septal region of hyphae and conidial chains; and S1E5 recognized an epitope present on the surface of hyphae, but not on mature conidia. mAb Pax-1 reacted with hyphal wall fragments of Pax. involutus and with N. crassa conidia in a similar way to S3B3. S4D1 reacted with an epitope found in 1,3-alpha-glycan preparations from hyphal walls of different fungi. The surface distribution of this epitope varied: it was found on the surface of both conidia and hyphae of N. crassa and Aspergillus nidulans, on the basidiospore surface only of Amanita muscaria, and on the hyphae but not the conidia of Penicillium chrysogenum. Immunogold studies revealed that the epitope was present throughout the wall of conidia and hyphae of N. crassa. mAbs S3B3, S1E5 and Pax-1 also reacted with other fungi: for example Pax-1 cross-reacted with all fungi tested except for a member of the Zygomycota. Immunogold studies revealed that epitopes of these three mAbs were present within the inner layers of the walls of conidia and hyphae of N. crassa.

Anti-enolase antibodies partially protective against systemic candidiasis in mice

OBJECTIVE: The evaluation of the effect of protective capacities of antibodies directed against the immunodominant enolase antigen of C. albicans on the survival rate of mice with systemic candidiasis. METHODS: Passive transfer of heterologous rabbit antibodies (IRS) directed against a crude Candida albicans extract and homologous mice anti-enolase antibodies (IMS) in a non-acute but lethal systemic Candida model in mice. RESULTS: Protection could only be demonstrated by repeated administration of homologous as well as heterologous immune sera. The protective effect was not due to non-specific, heat-labile, serum factors, since fractionated anti-cytoplasmic rabbit immunoglobulins also gave a decreased mortality rate. These findings could not be ascribed to enhanced opsonization as observed in in vitro opsonization experiments using peritoneal macrophage monolayers. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-enolase antibodies are partially protective against lethal C. albicans infections. The protection was not due to enhanced initial clearance of viable C. albicans from the internal organs, but was presumably the result of as yet unknown effects of antibodies occurring later in the infectious process.

Dynamic expression of cell-surface antigens probed with Candida albicans-specific monoclonal antibodies

IgG hybridomas were produced with preferentially reacted with cell-surface antigens of either yeast cells or hyphae of Candida albicans. Four mAbs were used in an immunostaining procedure to follow the expression dynamics of these antigens in media supplemented with glucose or galactose. Yeast cell growth was analysed during the lag phase, the early- and late-exponential phases and the stationary phase, and mycelium formation was analysed between 0.5 and 24 h induction at 37 degrees C. It appears that yeast cell-surface antigens 5C11 and 2E11 are expressed throughout all phases of yeast cell growth as well as on young hyphae after up to 1 h induction. Longer hyphae only faintly react with these two mAbs as they switch to hyphal cell-surface antigens 2G8 and 4E1 after 3 h induction. The reactivity to mAbs 2G8 and 4E1 was induced after a 3 h temperature shift and was confined to the terminal third of growing mycelia. Growth and hyphae induction in galactose prolonged the reactivity of young hyphae with the two anti-yeast-cell mAbs, whereas the expression of surface antigens 2G8 and 2E11 appeared delayed and desynchronized on hyphae. Whereas a similar reactivity was found with ten ATCC strains of C. albicans, four clinical isolates had a unique pattern of reactivity. Immunoblot analyses of DTT extracts of cell-surface constituents indicated that the antigens were proteinaceous in nature and showed that yeast-cell antigens 5C11 and 2E11 are detected in four bands between 68 and 104 kDa, whereas mycelial antigens 4E1 and 2G8 are detected in 117 kDa and 104 kDa bands found in mycelial but not in yeast-cell extracts. Present data support the concept of a dynamic balance in the expression of phase-specific antigens in C. albicans.

Normal human serum contains a natural IgM antibody cytotoxic for human neuroblastoma cells

Neuroblastoma (NB) is characterized by the second highest spontaneous regression of any human malignant disorder, a phenomenon that remains to be elucidated. In this study, a survey of 94 normal human adult sera revealed a considerable natural humoral cytotoxicity against human NB cell lines in approximately one-third of the tested sera of both genders. Specific cell killing by these sera was in the range of 40% to 95%. Serum cytotoxicity was dependent on an intact classical pathway of complement. By several lines of evidence, IgM antibodies were identified as the cytotoxic factor in the sera. Further analyses revealed that a 260-kDa protein was recognized by natural IgM of cytotoxic sera in Western blots of NB cell extracts. The antigen was expressed on the surface of seven human NB cell lines but not on human melanoma or other control tumor cell lines derived from kidney, pancreas, colon, bone, skeletal muscle, lymphatic system, and bone marrow. Furthermore, no reactivity was observed with normal human fibroblasts, melanocytes, and epidermal keratinocytes. The antigen was expressed in vivo as detected by immunohistochemistry in both the tumor of a NB patient and NB tumors established in nude rats from human NB cell lines. Most interestingly, the IgM anti-NB antibody was absent from the sera of 11 human NB patients with active disease. The anti-NB IgM also could not be detected in tumor tissue obtained from a NB patient. Collectively, our data suggest the existence of a natural humoral immunological tumor defense mechanism, which could account for the in vivo phenomenon of spontaneous NB tumor regression.

Developmental expression of a tandemly repeated, proline-and glutamine-rich amino acid motif on hyphal surfaces on Candida albicans

cDNA sequences encoding a cell wall protein have been isolated from the opportunistic pathogen, Candida albicans, an organism that can cause serious disease in immunocompromised patients such as those with AIDS. The cDNA encodes a peptide that is largely composed of an acidic, repeated motif 10 amino acids in length that is rich in proline and glutamine residues. The cDNA gene product was found to be present on hyphal surfaces by immunofluorescence assays using monospecific antisera raised to the recombinant protein produced in Pichia pastoris. The hyphae-specific surface location was also seen on organisms colonizing the gastrointestinal mucosa of mice, indicating that the antigen is produced and developmentally regulated during growth in host tissues. The cDNA clone hybridized to an abundant messenger RNA 2.3 kilobases in size that was present in hyphal but not yeast forms. These studies demonstrate that the bud-hypha transition is accompanied by the de novo synthesis of proteins that are targeted to hyphal surfaces. The primary sequence of the unique amino acid motif shares features with surface proteins of other lower eukaryotic microorganisms and with host acidic salivary proline-rich proteins.

Recognition of endothelial cells byCandida albicans: role of complement-binding proteins

Candida albicans, a commensal of humans, can cause either mucosal or systemic infections. The virulence properties of the organism include cell-surface adhesins that recognize ligands of host cells. Hyphal forms of the organism possess a 60-kDa mannoprotein that recognizes a variety of host-cell ligands including the complement C3 conversion products, C3bi and C3d. In addition, a protein of similar molecular mass also binds to endothelial extracellular matrix proteins such as laminin and fibronectin. While the 60-kDa protein is associated with the cell surface of hyphal forms of the organism, a protein of 50 kDa with similar ligand-binding activities is associated with the plasma membrane of blastoconidia. This protein cross reacts with antibodies to the 60-kDa protein. Isolation of the gene(s) encoding these cell-surface proteins is underway using both a human B-lymphocyte CR2 gene fragment or oligonucleotides based upon peptide sequence to screen libraries of C. albicans. Mutants of the organism with reduced expression of either C3d or C3bi-binding activity have been isolated. These strains are less virulent and also less adherent in vitro. Studies are currently underway to define the contribution of these proteins to the virulence of the organism. Key words: adherence, complement receptor, mannoprotein, virulence, ligand recognition.

Increased expression of Candida albicans secretory proteinase, a putative virulence factor, in isolates from human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients

The increased prevalence and the severity of oropharyngeal candidiasis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients are attributed exclusively to the virus-induced immune deficiency of the host. The present study was aimed at answering the question of whether Candida albicans secretory proteinase, a putative virulence factor of the opportunistic C. albicans yeast, has any potential influence on the clinical manifestation of oropharyngeal candidiasis in HIV-positive patients. We measured the secretory proteinase activities of clinical C. albicans isolates from the oropharynges of either HIV-positive individuals (n = 100) or a control group (n = 122). The mean secretory proteinase activity of C. albicans isolates from the HIV-positive group (4,255 +/- 2,372 U/liter) was significantly higher compared with that of isolates from the control group (2,324 +/- 1,487 U/liter) (P < 0.05). The higher level of secretory proteinase activity in the culture supernatants of individual C. albicans isolates correlated with the increased level of proteinase expression on the cell surface, as revealed by cytofluorometry, and with higher levels of secretion of the immunodetectable protein, as shown by Western blotting (immunoblotting). Proteinase activity within the population of C. albicans isolates from HIV-positive individuals was independent of the patient's clinical disease stage and the CD4+/CD8+ cell numbers. Furthermore, no correlation of the proteinase activities with the C. albicans serotype was found, although C. albicans serotype B was significantly more frequent in the HIV-positive group (40%) compared with that in the control group (12%). However, a positive correlation of proteinase activity to antifungal susceptibility was evident. The C. albicans isolates from the HIV-positive group that were characterized by higher levels of proteinase activity were also less susceptible to the widely used azole antifungal ketoconazole and fluconazole. Collectively, the present data are consistent with a concept of early preferential selection of a subpopulation of C. albicans in HIV-infected patients.

Oral Candida: clearance, colonization, or candidiasis?

Candida albicans is frequently isolated from the human mouth, yet few carriers develop clinical signs of candidiasis. Oral candidiasis presents clinically in many forms. This reflects the ability of the yeast to colonize different oral surfaces and the variety of factors which predispose the host to Candida colonization and subsequent infection. Colonization of the oral cavity appears to be facilitated by several specific adherence interactions between C. albicans and oral surfaces which enable the yeast to resist host clearance mechanisms. Thus, Candida has been shown to adhere to complement receptors, various extracellular matrix proteins, and specific sugar residues displayed on host or bacterial surfaces in the oral cavity. Oral candidiasis results from yeast overgrowth and penetration of the oral tissues when the host's physical and immunological defenses have been undermined. Tissue invasion may be assisted by secreted hydrolytic enzymes, hyphal formation, and contact sensing. While these and other phenotypic characteristics may endow certain Candida species or strains with a competitive advantage in the oral cavity, it is the host's immune competence that ultimately determines whether clearance, colonization, or candidiasis occurs.

Coordination of germ tube formation and surface antigen expression in Candida albicans

If the determinants of shape and cell wall topography are independently regulated and induced in germ tube formation in Candida albicans, these processes may be separable in a non-germ tube forming strain. The expression of several preferentially expressed hyphal surface components in a parental, non-germ tube forming variant, and a germ tube forming revertant strain were examined by indirect immunofluorescence. The proportion of germ tubes expressing the determinants and the morphological localization of expression was similar. Few yeast cells in germ tube cultures bound probes and there was no increase in binding by yeast cells of the variant strain. Extraction with beta-mercaptoethanol prior to analysis had little effect on probe binding and the shape of yeast cells were similar. These observations suggest the ability to promote apical expansion in germ tube formation and surface expression of certain markers were coordinately regulated.

Mechanisms of adherence of Candida albicans to cultured human epidermal keratinocytes

We established an in vitro adherence model with primarily cultured human keratinocytes as target cells which allows for the investigation of the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for Candida albicans host cell attachment in the initiation of cutaneous candidosis. The extent of C. albicans binding to cultured human keratinocytes was dependent on the yeast inoculum size and the incubation temperature. Heat and paraform-aldehyde treatment of yeasts completely abolished the binding activity of C. albicans. Of the different Candida species tested, C. albicans was by far the most adhesive species. C. albicans adherence was blocked by the acid protease inhibitor pepstatin A and the metabolic inhibitor sodium azide. The latter, however, was much less effective when yeasts were preincubated, suggesting that sodium azide was mainly acting on the keratinocytes. The extracellular matrix protein fibronectin was slightly inhibitory, whereas the fibronectin-derived peptides RGD and RGDS were not able to prevent attachment. PepTite-2000, another RGD-containing synthetic peptide, reduced C. albicans adherence by a margin of 25% (P < 0.005). CDPGYIGSR-NH2, which is a synthetic adhesive peptide derived from the laminin B chain, was much more efficient in its inhibitory activity than the RGD peptides and reduced C. albicans adherence to cultured human keratinocytes up to 76% (P < 0.001). Laminin itself and the synthetic pentapeptide YIGSR were less active. A dose-dependent reduction in adherence was also observed with collagen type III. Additionally, saccharides were tested for their potential to inhibit C. albicans attachment to keratinocytes. The most potent competitive saccharide inhibitors of C. albicans adherence to human keratinocytes were the amino sugars D-(+)-glucosamine and D-(+)-galactosamine with one isolate of C. albicans (4918) and D-(+)-glucosamine and alpha-D-(+)-fucose with another C. albicans isolate (Sp-1). Collectively, our data suggest the existence of multiple molecular mechanisms such as protein-protein, lectin-carbohydrate, and yeast-yeast coaggregational interactions that are responsible for optimal C. albicans attachment to cultured human keratinocytes.

Analysis of mannoproteins from blastoconidia and hyphae of Candida albicans with a common epitope recognized by anti-complement receptor type 2 antibodies

Mannoproteins of approximately 50 kDa from blastoconidia and 60 kDa from hyphae of Candida albicans reacted in Western blots (immunoblots) with either a polyclonal rabbit antiserum (CA-7) or a monoclonal antibody (CA-A) to the C. albicans C3d-binding protein (complement receptor type 2). The glycosylated nature of these proteins was demonstrated by their reactivity with concanavalin A and by selective labeling with the biotin-hydrazide reagent following periodate oxidation. Differences in the oligosaccharides of these proteins were observed in regard to their reactivity with lectin-peroxidase reagents and sensitivity to glycosidases such as N-glycanase or endoglycosidase F (but not endoglycosidase H). The 60-kDa mannoprotein reacted with wheat germ agglutinin, while the 50-kDa mannoprotein did not. Treatment of the 60-kDa mannoprotein with the glycosidases mentioned above resulted in its conversion into a species of 40 to 45 kDa. Enzyme treatment had no obvious effect on the electrophoretic mobility of the 50-kDa species from blastoconidia. Both the 50- and 60-kDa glycoproteins remained immunoreactive after treatment with the glycosidases. Reactivities of the two mannoproteins to neuraminidase also differed. Finally, the 50-kDa (blastoconidia) and the 60-kDa (hyphae) mannoproteins were purified by using ion-exchange chromatography and electroelution. The purified proteins differed in net charge, the 60-kDa species having a more acidic pI. Functional activity of the purified mannoproteins was demonstrated, as each inhibited the rosetting of antibody-sensitized sheep erythrocytes conjugated with iC3b or C3d by hyphae. Thus, an epitope(s) common to both a mycelial and blastoconidial mannoprotein is associated with a structurally different oligosaccharide for each growth form.

Characterization of Candida albicans cell wall antigens with monoclonal antibodies

The antigenic composition of Candida albicans is very complex. In order to study the antigenic relationship between blastoconidia and germ tubes of C. albicans, we produced several monoclonal antibodies and analyzed their reactivity against cell wall antigens either in intact cells or in cells treated with dithiothreitol. Overall, four types of reactivity were found. Monoclonal antibodies 3D9 and 15C9 stained the germ tubes only when tested by indirect immunofluorescence. However, they showed a different reactivity by immunoblotting. Monoclonal antibody 3D9 reacted with antigens with molecular masses of > 200 and 180 kDa specifically expressed in the germ tube. Monoclonal antibody 15C9 reacted with antigens of 87, 50, and 34 kDa present in the germ tube extract and with antigens of 92, 50, 34, and 32 kDa present in the blastoconidium extract. The reactivity of blastoconidia treated for different times with dithiothreitol with these monoclonal antibodies was also studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The reactivity of monoclonal antibody 3D9 did not significantly change during the cell wall extraction. However, the reactivity of monoclonal antibody 15C9 was increased for blastoconidia extracted for 60 min and decreased markedly for blastocondia extracted for 120 min. Monoclonal antibody G3B was nonreactive by indirect immunofluoresence but reacted with antigens of 47 and 38 kDa present in the germ tube extract and with an antigen of 47 kDa present in the blastoconidium extract. Monoclonal antibody B9E stained both morphological phases by indirect immunofluorescence. By immunoblotting, it reacted with antigens of > 70 kDa present in the germ tube extract and with antigens of > 63, 56, 47, and 38 kDa present in the blastoconidium extract. Based on the results presented in this study, four types of antigens are described. Type I antigens are expressed on the outermost layers of the germ tube cell wall only. Type II antigens are expressed both on the germ tube cell wall surface and within the blastoconidium cell wall. Type III antigens are found within the cell wall of both blastoconidia and germ tubes. Type IV antigens are expressed on both the blastoconidium and germ tube surface. Two types more can be hypothesized for antigens expressed on the blastoconidium cell surface and within the germ tube cell wall (type V) and for those expressed on the blastoconidium surface only (type VI).

Identification and immunochemical characterization of a germ tube specific antigen of Candida albicans

Germ tube specific fractions of the dimorphic pathogenic fungus Candida albicans were fractionated according to their ability to link to fibrinogen. These fibrinogen binding factors were used as immunogens to prepare monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with BALB/c mice. Among the resulting mAbs, one (mAb 3D9.3) was shown by indirect immunofluorescence to be specific to the surface of the mycelial phase of the C. albicans species. No labelling of the cell wall of any other Candida species was observed. This morphological shape specificity was confirmed by immunoblotting where a polydispersed high molecular mass component was identified. The molecular mass varied with the extraction procedure used; over 210 kDa with EDTA-2ME treatment, and ranging from 110 to 220 kDa after Zymolyase digestion. This phase-specific epitope was sensitive to proteolysis with pronase E, proteinase K and trypsin, but not to periodate treatment. Further purification of this material would allow further development of new serodiagnostic assays that might be more specific for invasive disease than currently available tests.

Recognition between Candida albicans and host cells

The cell surface of Candida albicans is a complex mosaic of polysaccharide and protein, of which mannoproteins constitute the major antigens and host cell recognition molecules. One group of mannoproteins is known as 'adhesins' and has properties similar to lectins and integrins. The adhesins recognize either host cell fucosyl glycosides or peptides containing the amino acid sequence arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD peptides).

Mapping of Candida albicans oligomannosidic epitopes by using monoclonal antibodies

Six monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) from various laboratory sources (EB-CA1, EB-CA2, H5, AF1, C6, and 5B2), reacting with the polysaccharidic moieties of Candida albicans mannoproteins, were used for epitope mapping by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with neoglycolipids and by Western blotting (immunoblotting) of a C. albicans germ tube extract. The ELISA involved neoglycolipids constructed from three families of oligomannosides released by sequential depolymerization of C. albicans phosphopeptidomannan by acid hydrolysis (NGLH), beta-elimination (NGLO), and acetolysis (NGLA). All of the MAbs exhibited low reactivities against NGLO. MAbs EB-CA1, EB-CA2, and H5 reacted mainly against NGLA, and MAbs C6 and AF1 recognized mainly NGLH, whereas MAb 5B2 reacted with both families of neoantigens. When this method was compared with Western blotting, strong reactivity to NGLA was associated with the presence of epitopes shared by high-molecular-weight mannoproteins, whereas strong reactivity to NGLH was associated with a reactivity to a family of 14- to 18-kDa antigens. The reactivity of MAb 5B2 was associated with both high-molecular-weight mannoproteins and the 14- to 18-kDa antigens. In relation to the present knowledge about the structure of the C. albicans phosphopeptidomannan oligomannosidic repertoire, these results provide preliminary data concerning the molecular basis of the recognition of mannopyranosyl sequences by MAbs and their distribution among C. albicans mannoproteins.

Stimulation of human B cells specific for Candida albicans for monoclonal antibody production

The stimulation and immortalisation of human peripheral blood B lymphocytes specific for Candida albicans antigen were investigated. An in vitro immunisation system was employed which involved pretreatment of mononuclear cells with L-leucyl L-leucine methyl ester which removes the suppressive effects of CD8+ T cells, NK cells and monocytes. The remaining cells, CD4+ T cells, B cells and dendritic cells, were cultured with antigen and a mixture of cytokines. A mixture of IL-2, -4 and -6 was found to be optimal for antibody production as determined by an Elispot assay. Transformation of the activated B cells by Epstein Barr virus was found to be optimal after 2 days and lines secreting anti-Candida antibodies were established. These lines could form the basis for specific monoclonal antibody production by generating hybridomas, or by a newly described technique whereby cDNA encoding antibody Fab regions is transferred into phage display libraries. The overall strategy might be generally applicable for the generation of human monoclonal antibodies to infectious agents.

Identification of antigens reacting with anti-Candida albicans germ tube antibodies

Anti-Candida albicans germ tube antibodies can be induced in rabbits immunized with different C. albicans extracts. Antigens responsible for the induction of those antibodies have molecular weights of approximately 230-250, 62, 43 and 41 kDa. These antigens are present in the cell wall of both C. albicans morphological forms, although their location seems to be different.

Adherence of cell surface mutants of Candida albicans to buccal epithelial cells and analyses of the cell surface proteins of the mutants

Strains of Candida albicans, selected on the basis of their reduced agglutination with a polyclonal anti-Candida antiserum, were tested for their adherence to human buccal epithelial cells (BEC). Of four strains, one (A9V2) had reduced binding to BEC in vitro. Adherence of wild type (wt) yeast cells (A9), as measured by the percentage of BEC with adhering Candida cells, was 73.4% +/- 3.8% compared with 49.3% +/- 3.1% for A9V2 (P less than 0.01). From yeast cells of A9 and A9V2, whole-cell extracts and dithiothreitol-, Zymolyase-, or beta-mercaptoethanol-solubilized cell extracts were compared by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting (immunoblotting). From dithiothreitol-solubilized cell extracts, proteins with molecular masses of 55 to 60, 80 to 84, 115, and 165 kDa were observed from wt (A9) cells but were highly reduced in amount or absent from A9V2 cells. Western blot profiles of Zymolyase-solubilized extracts from both A9 and A9V2 were similar in appearance, while 55-, 80- to 84-, 115-, and 165-kDa proteins were observed only in A9 cells extracted with beta-mercaptoethanol. Strain A9V4, also selected by reduced agglutination but which adhered as well as strain A9, lacked the 80- to 84-kDa and 115-kDa proteins but otherwise was similar to strain A9. These results indicate that the 55- to 60- and 165-kDa proteins may be related to an adhesin function in C. albicans. The differences observed in the protein profiles of the wt adhering strain and its derived nonadhering mutant are similar to those described for another matched pair of C. albicans strains.

Adherence and receptor relationships of Candida albicans

The cell surface of Candida albicans is composed of a variety of polysaccharides such as glucan, chitin, and mannan. The first two components primarily provide structure, while the mannan, often covalently linked to protein, constitutes the major antigen of the organism. Mannoproteins also have enzymatic activity (acid protease) and ligand-receptor functions. The complement receptors of C. albicans appear to be mannoproteins that are required for the adherence of the organism to endothelial cells. This is certainly true of the CR3-like protein of C. albicans. Proof that the CR3 is the Candida receptor for endothelial cells is derived from two observations. First, mutants lacking CR3 activity are less adherent in vitro and, in fact, less virulent. Second, the ligand recognized by the CR3 receptor (C3bi) as well as anti-CR3 antibodies blocks adherence of the organism to endothelial cells. The CR2 of C. albicans appears to promote the adherence of the organism to plastic substrates. Unlike the CR2 of mammalian cells, the Candida CR2 recognizes ligands containing the RGD sequence of amino acids in addition to the C3d ligand, which does not contain the RGD sequence. There is uncertainty as to whether the Candida CR2 and CR3 are, in fact, different proteins. A mannoprotein has also been described as the adhesin for epithelial cells. In this case, the receptor has a lectinlike activity and recognizes fucose- or glucosamine-containing glycoproteins of epithelial cells, depending on the strain of C. albicans. The oligosaccharide component of the receptor is probably not involved in ligand recognition and may serve to stabilize the receptor. However, the oligosaccharide factor 6 epitope of mannan may also provide adhesin activity in the recognition of epithelial cells. Mannoproteins can be extracted from cells by a number of reagents. Zymolyase, for instance, tends to remove structural mannoproteins, which contain relatively little protein and are linked to glucan. Reagents such as dithiothreitol, on the other hand, tend to extract mannoproteins containing higher amounts of protein that appear to have receptor function. The mannoproteins of C. albicans are dynamically expressed and may be growth phase and growth form specific.

A monoclonal antibody against a Pasteurella multocida outer membrane protein protects rabbits and mice against pasteurellosis

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against the 37.5-kDa outer membrane protein were produced by fusing myeloma cells with spleen cells obtained from mice immunized with a pathogenic strain of Pasteurella multocida isolated from a rabbit. Desirable MAbs were selected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, whole-cell radioimmunoprecipitation (WC-RIP), and Western blot (immunoblot) analysis. WC-RIP and Western blot analyses, using MAb 1608 adsorbed with intact P. multocida cells and the eluted MAb, demonstrated that the antigen recognized by this MAb is exposed on the cell surface, is antibody accessible, and has an estimated molecular mass of 37.5 kDa. Treatment of outer membrane vesicles of P. multocida with proteinase K totally abrogated the MAb 1608 activity, indicating that this MAb binds to a protein antigenic determinant. Furthermore, MAb 1608 was nonreactive to purified lipopolysaccharide in Western blot analysis. Passive transfer studies showed that nine rabbits inoculated intranasally with MAb 1608 and homologously challenged intranasally had significantly reduced mortality, severity of pneumonia, prevalence of P. multocida colonization in nonrespiratory organs, and numbers of P. multocida in nasal cavities compared with the controls. Furthermore, the number of P. multocida in lungs was reduced 84,750-fold. Similarly, passive transfer experiments indicated that MAb 1608 protected mice against homologous and heterologous challenges with P. multocida strains bearing the antigenic determinant recognized by MAb 1608. However, no protection was afforded by MAb 1608 when mice were challenged with a P. multocida strain lacking the antigenic determinant recognized by MAb 1608. This study establishes that the 37.5-kDa outer membrane protein is the target for a protective MAb.

Fungal cell adhesion molecules in Candida albicans

Adherence of Candida albicans to host tissues is considered a crucial step in the pathogenesis of candidiasis. Using in vitro assays, it was demonstrated that the yeast-mycelium transition was an important phenomenon in the acquisition of adhesive properties. Proteins with MWs of 60, 68, 200 and greater than 200 kDa seemed to be involved in germ tube adherence to plastic surfaces. Likewise, recent investigations have revealed that C. albicans expresses on its surface receptors which interact with a wide variety of host proteins, particularly some extracellular matrix components like fibronectin, laminin and collagen. Plasmatic components, such as fibrinogen, iC3b and C3d, have also been proposed as mediators of adherence of C. albicans. Thus, by their reaction with laminin, fibrinogen and C3d, the mannoproteins of 68 and 60 kDa demonstrated multiple biological activities. Proteins of similar MWs were detected as C3d and iC3b receptors, the latter showing similarities with the neutrophil CR3. Based upon the antigenic, structural and functional homologies between the candidal receptors and mammalian integrins, it was postulated that these fungal cell adhesion molecules (F-CAM) are members of the integrin family. Interactions with host proteins and molecular mimicry of mammalian adhesion molecules may be a fertile area for further research.