Detection of Candida albicans fructose bisphosphate aldolase antigen-specific T cells in healthy individuals by ELISPOT assay / 医学研究生学报

ABSTRACT

Objective Invasive candidiasis is associated with a significant mortality clinically.The purpose of this study was to observe the T cells immune response to fructose bisphosphate aldolase (Fba), an immunodominant antigen of Candida albicans, and determine whether the antigen has the possibility of priming cellular immune protection in invasive candiasis.Methods Using ELISPOT assay, we determined the frequencies of positive spot-forming cells (SFCs) of Fba antigen-specific T cells secreting IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-17A in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 26 healthy individuals.Results After Fba stimulation, the frequencies of positive SFCs of IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-17A in the 26 healthy subjects were 23 (9.75, 42.50), 0 (0, 0.25) and 1.5 (0.75, 8.25), respectively, with statistically significant differences among the three (P<0.01).The response rates of IFN-γ (100% [26/26]) and IL-17A (76.92% [20/26]) were significantly higher than that of IL-4 (15.38% [4/26]) (P<0.01).Fba-induced strong response (SCFs ≥20) for IFN-γ was observed in 57.69% (15/26) of the healthy individuals, that for IL-17A in only 1, while that for IL-4 in none.Responses of both Th1 and Th17 cells to Fba were found in 65.38% (17/26) of the subjects, that of Th1 cells in 19.23% (5/26), but that of Th2 cells in none.Conclusion Fba of Candida albicans can induce immunodominant responses of Th1 and Th17 cells and is a potential vaccine against invasive candiasis.