Open AccessXIX. A transphyletic anti‐infectious control strategy based on the killer phenomenon
Author(s) -
Conti Stefania,
Magliani Walter,
Gerloni Mara,
Salati Antonella,
Dieci Elisabetta,
Arseni Simona,
Fisicaro Paola,
Polonelli Luciano
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-695x.1998.tb01200.x
Subject(s) - biology , monoclonal antibody , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , antibody , immune system , tuberculosis , virology , medicine , pathology
A strategy for the prevention and control of candidiasis, pneumocystosis, and tuberculosis, based on the idiotypic network of the yeast killer effect has been envisaged. Anti‐idiotypic antibodies representing the internal image of a candidacidal, pneumocysticidal, and mycobactericidal killer toxin from Pichia anomala and idiotypes of killer toxin‐neutralizing monoclonal antibodies mimicking the specific cell wall receptor of sensitive microorganisms might provide a unique approach for engineering innovative antibiotics and vaccines active against taxonomically unrelated pathogenic microorganisms. The rationale of the strategy relies on a phenomenon of microbial competition which has been mutated by the immune system in the response to natural infections.