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Rutgers scientists have identified a novel protein, deletion of which makes C. neoformans as well as several other fungal organisms hypovirulent.
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Summary: Invasive fungal infections kill over 1.5 million people worldwide annually. Cryptococcus neoformans, for example is a human fungal pathogen that often causes lung and brain infection in immunocompromised patients, with a high fatality rate. A vaccine against infection could significantly reduce the rate of systematic fungal infections. Rutgers scientists have identified a novel protein, deletion of which makes C. neoformans as well as several other fungal organisms hypovirulent. Infection with a mutant strain generates a robust pulmonary inflammatory response and activation of protective Th1 and Th17 CD4+ T cells in the host system. Enhanced recruitment of monocytes and CD4+T cells decreases the mortality despite comparable fungal burden in the host. The boosted immunogenicity of a mutant strain could be used as an effective vaccine for protection against challenge with the virulent form of fungal infections. Market Application: Vaccine (whole cell, heat-killed); Vaccine adjuvant to prevent and treat fungal infection Advantages: • Highly effective • Very potent • Triggers a robust immune response