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AssigneeStichting Katholieke Universiteit
InventorsCarl Figdor, Ruurd Torensma
Estimating the term…
Dendritic cells (DC) that express the type II C-type lectin DC-SIGN (CD209) are located in the submucosa of tissues, where they mediate HIV-1 entry. Interestingly, the pathogen Candidaalbicans, the major cause of hospital-acquired fungal infections, is found at similar sites. Here it is demonstrated that DC-SIGN is able to bind Candida albicans both in DC-SIGN transfected cell lines and in human monocyte derived DC. Moreover, in immature DC, DC-SIGN is able to internalize Candida in specific DC-SIGN enriched vesicles, distinct from those containing the mannose receptor (MR; CD206), which is another Candida receptor on DC. Together, these results demonstrate that C. albicans has two major receptors on human monocyte derived DC, these receptors being DC-SIGN and MR. Targeting of DC-SIGN offers novel opportunities to combat chronic forms of candidiasis.
A method for treating a subject exposed to a microorganism that binds to DC-SIGN, said method comprising administering a compound in an amount effective to inhibit the binding of said microorganism to DC-SIGN.
A method of inhibiting infection comprising administering a compound that at least partially inhibits binding of an infection-causing microorganism to DC-SIGN on dendritic cells.
A method of preventing infection by Candida albicans comprising administering a compound selected from the group consisting of β-1,2-oligomannosides, FHENWPS, ICAM-2, ICAM-3, and antibodies that bind DC-SIGN.
A method for promoting an immune response in a subject exposed to a microorganism that binds to DC-SIGN, said method comprising administering an antigen found in said microorganism in an amount effective to bind to DC-SIGN and cause an immune response to the antigen.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.