Galactofuranose antigens, a target for diagnosis of fungal infections in humans

The use of biomarkers for the detection of fungal infections is of interest to complement histopathological and culture methods. Since the production of antibodies in immunocompromised patients is scarce, detection of a specific antigen could be effective for early diagnosis. D-Galactofuranose (Gal ) is the antigenic epitope in glycoconjugates of several pathogenic fungi. Since Gal is not biosynthesized by mammals, it is an attractive candidate for diagnosis of infection. A monoclonal antibody that recognizes Gal is commercialized for detection of aspergillosis. The linkage of Gal in the natural glycans and the chemical structures of the synthesized Gal -containing oligosaccharides are described in this paper. The oligosaccharides could be used for the synthesis of artificial carbohydrate-based antigens, not enough exploited for diagnosis. D-Galactofuranose (Gal ) is the unit in polysaccharides and glycoconjugates of several pathogenic fungi that is recognized by the immune system. Since Gal is not synthesized by mammals, it is an attractive candidate for diagnosis of infection. Since the production of antibodies in immunocompromised patients is scarce, detection of a specific antigen could be effective for early diagnosis. An antibody that recognizes Gal is commercialized for the detection of aspergillosis. Chemically synthesized Gal -containing oligosaccharides, reviewed in this paper, could therefore be used for the synthesis of artificial carbohydrate-based antigens and in diagnosis.