Inhibition of Candida albicans attachment to extracellular matrix by antibodies which recognize hydrophobic cell wall proteins

Cell surface hydrophobicity influences the adhesive properties of the oppor tunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Hydrophobic proteins are present in the C. albicans cell wall. These proteins were used to generate a polyc lonal antiserum and monoclonal antibodies. We characterized three of these monoclonal antibodies (designated 6C5, 5F8 and 5D8) that recognize differen t hydrophobic cell wall proteins. initial characterization of the three ant igens, and assessment of their distribution among various Candida species w as also carried out, Further, pretreatment of germ tube initials with the m Ab inhibits binding of these cells to immobilized extracellular matrix. The se results suggest that these hydrophobic proteins are involved in C. albic ans adhesion events. (C) 1999 Federation of European Microbiological Societ ies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.