DIMORPHISM GENES IN FUNGI

摘要

The present invention relates to a method of identifying a dimorphism gene from a dimorphic fungus; dimorphism genes isolated from dimorphic fungi; the encoded products (proteins, peptides, RNA) which have a role in the dimorphic switch and antibodies raised against proteins or peptides encoded by dimorphism genes. It further relates to agents (drugs) useful for inhibiting the dimorphic switch associated with virulence of fungi and, thus, for causing a dimorphic fungus to remain in its less pathogenic morphological form; a method of inhibiting the dimorphic switch and a method of treating an individual infected by a fungus which undergoes the dimorphic switch. Drugs useful in inhibiting the dimorphic switch can be agents which antagonize activators of dimorphism, agents which stimulate repressors of dimorphism and agents which modulate genes with indirect roles in dimorphism; in each case, the drug causes the dimorphic fungus to remain in its less pathogenic form.