OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of combined immunization with recombinant Sap2 and dendritic cells (DCs) against systemic Canddida albicans infection.

METHODSWe constructed a prokaryotic expression vector carrying Sap2 of Candida albicans to obtain Sap2 protein. Murine DCs were sensitized by pulsing with Candida albicans spores and rope. Five groups of mice were immunized with recombinant Sap2 protein and sensitized DCs, sensitized DCs, naive DCs, Sap2, or PBS alone for 3 times, and the effect of the immunization against systemic Candida albicans infection were assessed by observing the survival of the mice, detecting the percentages of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cells, CFU in the kidney homogenate, and examining renal pathologies.

RESULTSImmunization with Sap2 and sensitized DCs and with DCs or Sap2 alone all prolonged the mouse survival and produced obvious effect in renal protection and immune enhancement, but such effects were more obvious with the combined immunization.

CONCLUSIONCombined immunization with Sap2 protein and DCs offers strong immunoprotection against systemic Candida albicans infection in mice, which provides experimental evidence for the development of new combined vaccines for immunoprotection.