Killer anti-idiotypes in the control of fungal infections.

Killer anti-idiotypes (KTantild) bear the internal image of a Pichia anomala toxin (KT), characterized by microbicidal activity against prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathogenic microorganisms presenting specific cell wall receptors (KTR). KTantiId produced by idiotypic vaccination with a KT-neutralizing monoclonal antibody confer active and passive immunoprotection in experimental models of systemic and vaginal candidiasis. KTantild-like human natural anti-KTR antibodies are produced in natural infections caused by KT-sensitive microorganisms. KTantiId in the monoclonal and recombinant forms show therapeutic activity in experimental vaginal candidiasis and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Human commensal bacteria expressing KTantild or killer mimotopes synthesized from the sequence of KtantiId, may represent effective tools to combat fungal infections.