Monoclonal antibodies targeting Candida disrupt biofilms and inhibit growth across global clinical isolates

<i>Candida</i> species are a major cause of severe fungal infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and hospitalized patients. Among these, <i>Candida auris</i> stands out as an emerging "superbug", responsible for life-threatening bloodstream infections with mortality rates up to 60%. This multidrug-resistant, hospital-acquired pathogen has been declared a serious global health threat, complicating effective treatment and increasing mortality risks. Our research has identified universal monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting <i>Candida albicans</i> cell wall epitopes, which are highly homologous to those in other pathogenic <i>Candida</i> species, including <i>C. auris.</i> Passive transfer of mAbs-C3.1 (anti-β-1,2-mannotriose) and 9F2 (anti-phosphoglycerate kinase 1)-significantly extended survival and improved fungal clearance in a complement C5-deficient A/J murine model. Additionally, C3.1 and 9F2 mAbs show direct fungicidal effects against <i>C. auris</i> isolates, presenting a promising therapeutic option against this critical threat.