MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES TO THE PROPEPTIDE OF CANDIDA ALBICANS AND METHODS OF USE

摘要

Monoclonal antibodies which can bind to the propeptide of the Int1p protein of yeast microorganisms such as Candida albicans are provided which can be useful in methods for treating or preventing infections arising from such microorganisms. In particular, monoclonal antibodies are provided which can recognize the epitope located at amino acids 252-260 on the Intl p protein, and such monoclonal antibodies can recognize the propeptide region of Int1 p as well as the complete Int1 p protein. Such antibodies are effective in blocking of the activation of T-lymphocytes, blocking the expansion of T-cells bearing V-beta subsets, such as 2, 3, 14 or others, and blocking the secretion of interferon­gamma, so as to be effective in treating or preventing infection from yeast such as Candida albicans.