Studies on host defense mechanisms against mucocutaneous Candidia infection in mice

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We successfully established several new experimental mucocutaneous candidiasis models in murine system, such as oral, pharyngeal, esophageal and vaginal candidiasis. An important procedure for establishment of these candidiasis models included a sedative step by administration of chlorpromazine which helped the invasion of C. albicans into mucocutenous membranes. Oral candidiasis model showed thrush-type pathogenesis that mimics the natural infection in humans and is useful for both symptomatological and mycological evaluation of antifungal treatments. By using this oral candidiasis model, the protective activities of bovine lactoferrin, lactoferricin, human saliva and several herbal preparations such as tea tree oil by oral administration were evidenced. Especially, important finding was that a mechanism of the protective actions of lactoferrin against oral candidiasis was associated with the augmentation of the T-cell activities of lesional lymphoid tissues. We also reported that saliva prepared from healthy persons, which contained proteinous factors inhibiting attachment of Candida cells to substratum, shows also protective action for this murine oral candidiasis. In the vaginal candidiasis model, protective factors, such as myeloperoxidase and lactoferrin in secretory fluids of vaginal cavity, were suggested to play a protective role.