Strategies for the development of a vaccine against ringworm.

Resolution of lesions and subsequent protection against ringworm is primarily associated with the development of a cell-mediated immune (CMI) response, in which stimulation of Type-1 lymphocytes and cytokines such as interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-12 and interferon gamma are significant. Type-2 lymphocyte activation and antibody formation seem a feature of chronic disease states, rather than protection, and are antagonistic to a Type-1 cell response. Initial studies on ringworm vaccines should be directed at identifying and characterizing dermatophyte antigens elaborated during spore germination and early hyphal growth, and the method of their presentation which best potentiates Type-1 cell-associated events, and primes the recipient for a subsequent CMI response.