STRATEGIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A VACCINE AGAINST RINGWORM

Resolution of lesions and subsequent protection against ringworm is pr imarily associated with the development of a cell-mediated immune (CMI ) response, in which stimulation of Type-1 lymphocytes and cytokines s uch as interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-12 and interferon gamma are significan t. Type-2 lymphocyte activation and antibody formation seem a feature of chronic disease states, rather than protection, and are antagonisti c to a Type-1 cell response. Initial studies on ringworm vaccines shou ld 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-associ ated events, and primes the recipient for a subsequent CMI response.