Vulvovaginal C andida albicans infections: pathogenesis, immunity and vaccine prospects

Although a number of fungal species belonging to the genus C andida can cause acute vulvovaginal infection ( VVC ), C andida albicans is by far the most prevalent etiological agent, particularly for the most severe chronic condition known as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis ( RVVC ). This review focuses on recent advances in pathogenic mechanisms and host immune responses to C . albicans and on the utilisation of this information in the development of a vaccine to prevent and/or treat vaginal candidiasis. Currently, two vaccines with main or sole RVVC as clinical indication have completed a phase 1 clinical trial, and one of them has entered a phase 2 trial.