These include, but are not limited to stimulation of the immune response and adhesion to host tissues. We are presently investigating the biochemistry and molecular biology of the cell wall proteins responsible for surface hydrophobicity. These proteins play an important role in pathogenesis in that they appear important for attachment of the organism to host extracellular matrix proteins, endothelial cells, and to various plastics that are use for prosthetic devices. We have developed monoclonal antibodies to several hydrophobic surface proteins. These antibodies adhesion of the hydrophobic yeasts to the aforementioned targets.
Peptides based on the hydrophobic proteins are also effective inhibitors of adhesion.
These results suggest the hydrophobic proteins could be excellent vaccine candidates for the prevention of life threatening candidiasis. A patent concerning the hydrophobic proteins has been submitted. My clinical area of investigation is development of rapid anti-fungal susceptibility tests. We have recently patented a test that is applicable to fungi, higher bacteria, and mycobacteria.