MONOCLONAL YEAST KILLER TOXIN-LIKE CANDIDACIDAL ANTIIDIOTYPIC ANTIBODIES

Rat monoclonal yeast killer toxin (KT)-like immunoglobulin hi (IgM) an ti-idiotypic antibodies (KT-IdAbs) mere produced by idiotypic vaccinat ion with a mouse monoclonal antibody (MAb; MAb KT4) that neutralized a Pichia anomala KT characterized by a wide spectrum of antimicrobial a ctivity. The characteristics of the KT-IdAbs were demonstrated by thei r capacity to compete with the KT to the idiotype of MAb KT4 and to in teract with putative KT cell wall receptors (KTRs) of sensitive Candid a albicans cells. The internal-image properties of KT-IdAbs mere prove n by their killer activity against KT-sensitive yeasts. This lethal ef fect was abolished by prior adsorption of KT-IdAbs with MAb KT4. These findings stressed the potential importance of antibody-mediated immun oprotection against candidiasis and suggested a feasible experimental approach for producing antimicrobial receptor antibodies without purif ying the receptor. KT-IdAbs might represent the basis for producing en gineered derivatives with a high potential for effective therapeutic a ntifungal activity.