Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of combined immunization with recombinant Sap2 and dendritic cells (DCs)
against systemic Canddida albicans infection. Methods We constructed a prokaryotic expression vector carrying sap2 of Candida
albicans to obtain Sap2 protein. Murine DCs were sensitized by pulsing with Candida albicans spores and rope. Five groups of
mice were immunized with recombinant Sap2 protein and sensitized DCs, sensitized DCs, naive DCs, Sap2, or PBS alone for 3
times, and the effect of the immunization against systemic Candida albicans infection were assessed by observing the survival of
the mice, detecting the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ cells, CFU in the kidney homogenate, and examining renal pathologies.
Results Immunization with Sap2 and sensitized DCs and with DCs or Sap2 alone all prolonged the mouse survival and
produced obvious effect in renal protection and immune enhancement, but such effects were more obvious with the combined
immunization. Conclusion Combined immunization with Sap2 protein and DCs offers strong immunoprotection against
systemic Candida albicans infection in mice, which provides experimental evidence for the development of new combined
vaccines for immunoprotection.