[Medical importance of yeast killer toxin]

Abstract

Yeast killer toxins (YKT) are exotoxins produced by several yeasts including certain Candida species. They can kill fungi, bacteria and even protozoa by binding to the specific receptors on their cell surfaces. On the basis of their killer effect, studies have been carried out on the differentiation of fungi and some bacteria by using YKT as epidemiological tools. Following biotyping procedures, idiotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies produced against YKT have been shown to exhibit great potential in protection and immunotherapy against several microorganisms, promising as novel approaches to fight against microbial diseases. In this review article, the structural properties, ecologic and epidemiologic importance, therapeutic, prophylactic and immunotherapy studies of yeast killer toxins, have been discussed.