Fungal vaccines and immunotherapeutics.

Authors :: Santos E
Levitz SM
Source :: Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine [Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med] 2014 Nov 03; Vol. 4 (11), pp. a019711. Date of Electronic Publication: 2014 Nov 03.
Publication Year :: 2014
Abstract: Concomitant with the increased prevalence of immunocompromised persons, invasive fungal infections have become considerably more frequent in the last 50 years. High mortality rates caused by invasive mycoses and high morbidity because of intractable mucosal infections have created an unmet need for innovative prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against fungal pathogens. Several immunotherapeutics and vaccines are in development to address this need, although one has yet to reach the clinic. This review focuses on past and current immunotherapeutic and vaccine strategies being tested to either prevent or treat fungal infections, as well as the challenges associated with their development.<br /> (Copyright © 2014 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; all rights reserved.)