Efficacy of the Anti-Candida RAls3p-N or RAls1p-N Vaccines Against Disseminated and Mucosal Candidiasis

We have shown that vaccination with the recombinant N terminus of Als1p (rAls1p-N) protects mice against disseminated and oropharyngeal candidiasis. We now report that vaccination of mice with a related candidate, rAls3p-N, induces a broader antibody response than rAls1p-N and a similar cell-mediated immune response. The rAls3p-N vaccine was equally as effective as rAls1p-N against disseminated candidiasis but was more effective than rAls1p-N against oropharyngeal or vaginal candidiasis. Antibody titers did not correlate with protection against disseminated candidiasis, but delayed-type hypersensitivity did. The rAls3p-N vaccine is a promising new vaccine candidate for further exploration to prevent systemic and mucosal candidal infections.