Model alpha-mannoside conjugates: immunogenicity and induction of candidacidal activity.

The effect of Candida cell wall mannan-derived alpha-oligomannoside structural components on the modulation of the immune system and their role in protective immunity are studied here. Semi-synthetic alpha-mannoside-bovine serum albumin conjugates were used for immunization of rabbits. Dimeric alpha-mannoside, representing Candida antigenic factor 1, was used as a model of linear alpha-mannoside, and pentameric alpha-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 alpha-mannoside structures in perspective anti-Candida vaccine with a broad spectrum of effectiveness.