Antibody and/or cell-mediated immunity, protective mechanisms in fungal disease: an ongoing dilemma or an unnecessary dispute?

Med Mycol. 1998:36 Suppl 1:95-105.

Abstract

Historically there has been controversy on the relative importance of antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses in the protection against fungal pathogens. The controversy was fuelled by the difficulties encountered in obtaining consistent results with polyclonal antibody experiments and I inducing long-lasting immune protection by vaccinations with induce stron cell-mediated responses. Recent studies indicate that both antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses can contribute to host protection against Candida albicans and C. neoformans. At the present time the major issue is not the relative importance of antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses but rather, the mechanisms by which the two arms of the immune system function and cooperate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Fungal / blood
  • Antibodies, Fungal / immunology
  • Candida albicans / immunology
  • Candidiasis / immunology*
  • Cryptococcosis / immunology*
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Mice

Substances

  • Antibodies, Fungal