Prospects for the development of fungal vaccines

Abstract

In an era that emphasizes the term "cost-effective," vaccines are the ideal solution to preventing disease at a relatively low cost to society. Much of the previous emphasis has been on childhood scourges such as measles, mumps, rubella, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b. The concept of vaccines for fungal diseases has had less impact because of the perceived limited problem. However, fungal diseases have become increasingly appreciated as serious medical problems that require recognition and aggressive management. The escalation in the incidence and prevalence of infection has prompted a renewed interest in vaccine development. Herein, I discuss the most recent developments in the search for vaccines to combat fungal infections. Investigators have discovered several inert substances from various fungi that can mediate protection in animal models. The next challenge will be to find the suitable mode of delivery for these immunogens.

Risk Factors for Acute Symptomatic Coccidioidomycosis among Elderly Persons in Arizona, 1996–1997

“…Physicians in Arizona and elsewhere should consider serologic or other appropriate laboratory testing for coccidioidomycosis among travelers with compatible clinical presentations [18]. Efforts to avoid dust exposure may not be adequate to prevent coccidioidomycosis, and elderly persons and others at high risk should be considered for vaccination when a safe and effective vaccine is available [19].…”

Vaccines and immunotherapies for the prevention of infectious diseases having cutaneous manifestations

“…A second major challenge is the lack of scientific knowledge about natural fungal immunity and the relative contributions of the innate, acquired humoral and cellular systems. 296,297 Currently, there is no FDA-approved fungal vaccine for clinical use.…”

Therapeutische oder prophylaktische Vakzination bei Pilzinfektionen

“…Im Zeitalter von Aids und der Verwendung von zunehmend potenteren immunsuppressiven bzw. zytostatischen Therapieprotokollen zur Behandlung von Autoimmunerkrankungen, Malignomen und Transplantatabstoßungsreaktionen hat die Behandlung von Pilzerkrankungen an Bedeutung gewonnen [8].…”