[Monoclonal antibodies recognizing the capsular polysaccharide of Cryptococcus neoformans].

Our objective was to obtain monoclonal antibodies (Mab), by using the cell fusion technology, capable of recognizing the serotype A glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) fraction. Cryptococcus neoformans is a yeastlike fungus surrounded by a polysaccharide capsule and an agent of deep mycosis in men that affects particularly AIDS patients. 3 groups of Balb/c mice were immunized with GXM coupled to lamb erythrocytes at a dose of 10 microg of GXM by subcutaneous route, 50 microg of GXM by subcutaneous route and 50 microg of GXM y intraperitoneal route. There were obtained 2 secreting hybridomas of murine MAb against the capsular polyssacharide of Cryptococcus neoformans, IgG1, light chain k. The overnadants of culture were evaluated by ELISA, using the capsular polyssacharide without conjugating. These antibodies will be used in studies of protection and phagocytosis in vitro.