Studies on Glycoprotein Toxins Produced by a Candida albicans Srrain

I. Purification Procedures and Physicochemical Properties

Abstract

Three glycoprotein (GP) toxins, which were conventionally designated as Fr I-1, Fr I-2 and Fr II-2, were isolated from a virulent strain of C. albicans. The GPs comprised 86 to 92% of sugar and 13 to 7% of protein on a weight basis. The sugar moiety consisted solely of D-mannaose, and the protein moiety was characteristic in their amino acid composition. The toxicity of the GPs for mice was acute and lethal upon intravenous injection, manifesting fatal anaphylaxis-like reaction. Among toxic fractions Fr II-2 was most potent. Fr II-2 was stable in toxicity against various physical and chemical treatments. It showed a good antigenicity. It had no hemolytic activity. It was considered that the mannan moiety of the GPs would play a major role in manifesting the toxic activity while the protein moiety would act as a helper or synergist for this activity.