EP0652888A1

EP0652888A1 - INHIBITION OF $i(CANDIDA)

Info

Publication number: EP0652888A1
Application number: EP91916648A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Glenn D. Hoke; David J. Ecker
Original assignee: Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc
Current assignee: Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc
Priority date: 1990-08-16
Filing date: 1991-08-15
Publication date: 1995-05-17
Also published as: BR9106752A; CA2089665A1; AU8635591A; WO1992003455A1; JPH0779704B2; EP0652888A4; JPH06501844A; AU649734B2

Abstract

Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment and diagnosis of Candida infections. In accordance with preferred embodiments, oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs are provided which are specifically hybridizable with at least a portion of a Candida mRNA. Preferred targets are the mRNAs which encode β-tubulin, aspartate protease, actin and chitin synthetase, as well as the mRNA's which encode the ribosomal L25 protein, translation elongation factors 1 and 2 (TEF1 and TEF2), the b subunit of ATPase, and cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14α-demethylase (L1A1). The oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs comprise nucleotide units sufficient in identity and number to effect said specific hybridization. In other preferred embodiments, the oligonucleotides are specifically hybridizable with a transcription initiation site, a translation initiation site, 5'-untranslated sequences, 3'-untranslated sequences, 5'-cap, and intron/exon junct ion of the mRNAs. Methods of treating animals suffering from Candida infection are disclosed.

Description

INHIBITION OF CANDIDA

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to diagnostics, research reagents, and therapies for Candida infections. In particular, this invention relates to antisense oligonucleotide interactions with certain Candida messenger ribonucleic acids. Specifically, antisense oligonucleotides are designed to hybridize to the Candida mRNA's which encode the /3-tubulin, actin, chitin synthetase and aspartate protease proteins. Other antisense oligonucleotides are designed to hybridize specifically to the Candida mRNA's which encode the ribosomal L25 pr. ein, translation elongation factors 1 and 2 (TEFl and TEF2) , the b subunit of ATPase, and cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14α- demethylase (L1A1) . These oligonucleotides have been found to lead to the modulation of the activity of the Candida RNA or DNA, and thus to the modulation of the Candida infection. Palliation and therapeutic effect result. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Opportunistic infections in immunocompromised hosts represent an increasingly important cause of mortality and morbidity. Candida species are among the mosr. common of the fungal pathogens with Candida albicans as the most common species, but with Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, Candida glahrata (Torulopsis glahrata) and Candida parapsilosis also found in infected individuals. Candida is responsible for a variety of nosocomial infections. For a general review of the types & severity of Candida infections see Heunier, F. , Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol . Infect. Dis. 8:438-447 (A89) or Radentz, W. , J. Am. Aσa . Derm. 20:989-1003. Cancer patients, particularly leukemia patients, are at high risk of Candida infections. Up to 30% of all leukemia patients show evidence of invasive candidiasis upon autopsy. Cancer patients with a variety of solid tumors also are at risk of opportunistic infection. Improvements in the treatment of cancer, with greater use of surgery and newer chemotherapies, has resulted in increasing numbers of non-terminal patients becoming infected with Candida and requiring treatment.

Another group at risk for Candida and other opportunistic infections is the AIDS population. In AIDS patients Candida is a problem in oropharyngeal infections. Burn patients, I.V. drug users, persons with catheters and premature neonates are all also susceptible to infection by Candida.

Candida can also be problematic in the non- immunocompromised host. In normal healthy women, Candida is responsible for vulvovaginitis. The overwhelming majority of yeasts which infect the vagina are isolates of Candida albicans. This problem is often exacerbated by pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives or in disease situations requiring the use of antibiotics, all of which increase the probability of an infection by Candida.

There are currently several drugs in use for managing Candida infections. Amphotericin B is generally considered the standard therapy for systemic Candida infection. However, amphotericin B has a number of severe side effects, some of which cause permanent damage to the patients' liver and kidneys. Moreover, the efficacy of amphotericin B is limited and treatment does not always result in elimination of the infection. Therefore, there is a great need for agents which are effective in inhibiting Candida infections but do not cause toxic side effects to the host. Antisense oligonucleotides hold great promise as therapeutic agents for Candida infections. There have been no prior attempts to inhibit Candida with antisense oligonucleotides. Accordingly, there has been and continues to be a long-felt need for the design of oligonucleotide analogs which are capable of effective therapeutic use.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs which are capable of hybridizing with messenger RNA of Candida to inhibit the function of the messenger RNA. It is a further object to provide oligonucleotides and analogs which can modulate the expression of Candida through antisense interaction with messenger RNA of the fungus. Yet another object of this invention is to provide methods of diagnostics and therapeutics for Candida in animals. Methods, materials and kits for detecting the presence or absence of Candida in a sample suspected of containing it are further objects of the invention. Novel oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs are other objects of the invention.

These and other objects will become apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art from a review of the instant specification and appended claims. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs are provided which specifically hybridize with at least a portion of an RNA from Candida . The oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog is preferably designed to bind directly to Candida RNA.

This relationship is commonly denoted as "antisense." The oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs are able to inhibit the function of RNA — either its translation into protein, its translocation into the cytoplasm, or any other activity necessary to its overall biological function. The failure of the RNA to perform all or part of its function results in failure of a portion of the genome controlling the normal life cycle of the fungus.

It has been found to be preferred to target specific Candida RNA portions for antisense oligonucleotide attack. It has been discovered that the genes coding for 3-tubulin, aspartate protease, actin and chitin synthetase are particularly useful for this approach. The genes encoding the ribosomal L25 protein, translation elongation factors 1 and 2 (TEFl and TEF2) , the b subunit of ATPase, and cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14α-demethylase (LlAl) are also particularly useful. Inhibiting translation of the mRNA's relating to these proteins is expected to be useful for the treatment of Candida infections.

Methods of modulating Candida infection comprising contacting the animal with an oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog hybridizable with nucleic acid of the fungus are provided. Oligonucleotides or analogs hybridizable with mRNA coding for jS-tubulin, aspartate protease, actin and chitin synthetase proteins are preferred. Oligonucleotides or analogs hybridizable with mRNA coding for the ribosomal L25 protein, TEFl and TEF2, the ATPase b subunit and cytochrome P450 LlAl are also preferred. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is the sequence of the 5-tubulin gene of

Candida alhicans.

Figures 2 A and B are graphical representations of the effects of antisense oligonucleotides on Candida germ tube formation at oligonucleotide doses of 0.5 (A) and 1.0 μM (B) .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Antisense oligonucleotides hold great promise as therapeutic agents for the treatment of many human diseases. Oligonucleotides specifically bind to the complementary sequence of either pre-mRNA or mature mRNA, as defined by Watson-Crick base pairing, inhibiting the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein. Numerous recent studies have documented the utility of antisense oligonucleotides as biochemical tools for studying target proteins. Rothenberg et al., J. Natl. Cancer Inst. , 81:1539-1544 (1989); Zon, G., Pharmaceutical Res. 5:539- 549 1988) . Because of recent advances in oligonucleotide chemistry, synthesis of nuclease resistant oligonucleotides, and availability of types of oligonucleotide analogs which exhibit enhanced cell uptake, it is now possible to consider the use of antisense oligonucleotides as a novel form of therapeutics.

For therapeutics, an animal suspected of having a Candida infection is treated by administering oligonucleotides or oligonucleotide analogs in accordance with this invention. Persons of ordinary skill can easily determine optimum dosages, dosing methodologies and repetition rates. Such treatment is generally continued until either a cure is effected or a diminution in the disease state is achieved.

It is to be expected that differences in the DNA of Candida from different species and from different types within a species exist. Thus, it is believed, for example, that the regions of the various Candida species serve essentially the same function for the respective species and that interference with expression of the genetic information will afford similar results in the various species. This is believed to be so even though differences in the nucleotide sequences among the species doubtless exist.

Accordingly, nucleotide sequences set forth in the present specification will be understood to be representational for the particular species being described. Homologous or analogous sequences for different species of Candida are specifically contemplated as being within the scope of this invention. The present invention employs oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs for use in antisense inhibition of the function of Candida RNA. In the context of this invention, the term "oligonucleotide" refers to a polynucleotide formed from naturally occurring bases and pentafuranosyl groups joined by native phosphodiester bonds. This term effectively refers to naturally occurring species or synthetic species formed from naturally occurring subunits or their close ho ologs.

"Oligonucleotide analog", as that term is used in ^' connection with this invention, refers to moieties which function similarly to oligonucleotides but which have non- naturally occurring portions. Thus, oligonucleotide analogs may have altered sugar moieties or inter-sugar linkages. Exemplary among these are the phosphorothioate and other sulfur-containing species which are known for use in the art. In accordance with some preferred embodiments, at least some of the phosphodiester bonds of the oligonucleotide have been substituted with a structure which functions to enhance the ability of the compositions to penetrate into the region of cells where the RNA or DNA whose activity to be modulated is located. It is preferred that such substitutions comprise phosphorothioate bonds, methyl phosphonate bonds, or short chain alkyl or cycloalkyl structures. In accordance with other preferred embodiments, the phosphodiester bonds are substituted with other structures which are, at once, substantially non- ionic and non-chiral, or with structures which are chiral and enantiomerically specific. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will be able to select other linkages for use in practice of the invention.

Oligonucleotide analogs may also include species which include at least some modified base forms. Thus, purines and pyrimidines other than those normally found in nature may be so employed. Similarly, modifications on the pentafuranosyl portions of the nucleotide subunits may also occur as long as the essential tenets of this invention are adhered to.

Such analogs are best described as being functionally interchangeable with natural oligonucleotides (or synthesized oligonucleotides along natural lines) , but which have one or more differences from natural structure. All such analogs are comprehended by this invention so long as they function effectively to hybridize with Candida RNA. The oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs in accordance with this invention preferably comprise from about 3 to about 50 nucleic acid base units. It is more preferred that such oligonucleotides and analogs comprise from about 8 to 25 nucleic acid base units, and still more preferred to have from about 12 to 25 units. As will be appreciated, a subunit or a nucleic acid base unit is a base-sugar combination suitably bound to adjacent subunits through phosphodiester or other bonds.

The oligonucleotides and analogs used in accordance with this invention may be conveniently and routinely made through the well-known technique of solid phase synthesis. Equipment for such synthesis is sold by several vendors including Applied Biosystems. Any other means for such synthesis may also be employed; however, the actual synthesis of the oligonucleotides is well within the talents of the routineer. It is also well known to use similar techniques to prepare other oligonucleotide analogs such as the phosphorothioates and alkylated derivatives. In accordance with this invention, persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that messenger RNA includes not only the information to encode a protein using the three letter genetic code, but also associated ribonucleotides which form a region known to such persons as the 5•-untranslated region, the 3•-untranslated region, the 5* cap and intron/exon junction ribonucleotides. Thus, oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs may be formulated in accordance with this invention which are targeted wholly or in part to these associated ribonucleotides as well as to the informational ribonucleotides. In preferred embodiments, the oligonucleotide or analog is specifically hybridizable with a transcription initiation site, a translation initiation site, an intron/exon junction or sequences in the 3'- untranslated region.

In accordance with this invention, the oligonucleotide is specifically hybridizable with at least a portion of a nucleic acid of Candida. In preferred embodiments, the nucleic acid portion includes the mRNA's which encode /3-tubulin, actin, chitin synthetase and aspartate protease proteins. In other preferred embodiments, the nucleic acid portion includes the mRNA's which encode the ribosomal L25 protein, TEFl and TEF2, the b subunit of ATPase, and cytochrome P450 LlAl. Oligonucleotides or analogs comprising the corresponding sequence, or part thereof, are useful in the invention. Thus, the oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs of this invention are designed to be hybridizable with messenger RNA of Candida. Such hybridization, when accomplished, interferes with the normal function of the messenger RNA to cause a loss of its utility to the fungus. The functions of messenger RNA to be interfered with include all vital functions such as translocation of the RNA to the situs for protein translation, actual translation of protein from the RNA, splicing or other processing of the RNA, and possibly even independent catalytic activity which may be engaged in by the RNA. The overall effect of such interference with the RNA function is to cause the Candida to lose the benefit of the RNA and, overall, to experience interference with expression of its genome. Such interference is generally fatal to the fungus. Figure 1 is the sequence of the 0-tubulin gene of

Candida albicans. The sequence for the Candida alhicans 8-tubulin gene is known. Smith et al.. Gene, 63:53-63 (1988) . The gene sequence of Candida albicans is known. Au-Young et al.. Molecular Microbiology, 4:197-207 (1990). The sequence for the Candida albicans actin gene is known as well. Losberger et al., Nucl. Acid. Res. 17:9488 (1989) . The sequence for the Candida albicans aspartyl proteinase gene is set forth in Lott et al., Nucl . Acid Res. , 17:1779 (1989). The sequence for the Candida albicans cytochrome P450 LlAl is disclosed in Lai et al. , Nucl. Acid. Res. , 17:804 (1989). The sequences for the Candida albicans elongation factors TEFl and TEF2 are disclosed in Sundstro et al., J. Bacteriol. , 172:2036 (1990) . The sequence of the ribosomal L25 gene is known in Candida glahrata (Torulopsis glahrata) and Candida utilis. Wong et al., Nucl. Acids Res. , 18: 1888 (1990); Woudt et al., Curr. Genet. , 12:193 (1987). The gene sequence for the Candida tropicalis vacuolar ATPase subunit b is disclosed in Gu et al., Nucl . Acids Res. , 18:7446 (1990).

Oligonucleotides or analogs useful in the invention are complementary to and comprise one of these sequences, or part thereof. Thus, it is preferred to employ any of these oligonucleotides (or their analogs) as set forth above or any of the similar nucleotides which persons of ordinary skill in the art can prepare from knowledge of the preferred antisense targets for the modulation of the fungal infection.

The oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs of this invention can be used in diagnostics, therapeutics and as research reagents and kits. For therapeutic use, the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog is administered to an animal suffering from a Candida infection. It is generally preferred to apply the therapeutic agent in accordance with this invention topically or intralesionally. Other forms of administration, such as transdermally, or intramuscularly may also be useful. Inclusion in suppositories is presently believed to be likely to be highly useful. Use of the oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs of this invention in prophylaxis is also likely to be useful. Such may be accomplished, for example, by providing the medicament as a coating in condoms and the like. Use of pharmacologically acceptable carriers is also preferred for some embodiments. The present invention is also useful in diagnostics and in research. Since the oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs of this invention hybridize to nucleic acid from Candida, sandwich and other assays can easily be constructed to exploit this fact. Provision of means for detecting hybridization of oligonucleotide or analog with Candida present in a sample suspected of containing it can routinely be accomplished. Such provision may include enzyme conjugation, radiolabelling or any other suitable detection systems. Kits for detecting the presence or absence of Candida may also be prepared.

Several preferred embodiments of this invention are exemplified in accordance with the following examples. The target mRNA species for modulation relates to the £- tubulin, actin, chitin synthetase and aspartate protease proteins of Candida. Other preferred mRNA targets relate to the ribosomal L25 protein, translation elongation factors 1 and 2 (TEFl and TEF2) , the b subunit of ATPase, and cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14α-demethylase (LlAl) . Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not so limited, however, and that it is generally applicable. The inhibition of these Candida RNAs are expected to have significant therapeutic benefits in the treatment of disease. In order to assess the effectiveness of the compositions, an assay or series of assays is required.

The following are intended as nonlimiting examples of some embodiments of the invention. EXAMPLES EXAMPLE 1

Inhibition of Candida albicans with antisense oligonucleotide analogs complementary to the mRNAs coding for 0-tubulin, actin, chitin synthetase and aspartate protease A series of antisense oligonucleotide sequences were selected which are complementary to the Candida β- tubulin, aspartate protease, actin and chitin synthetase mRNA's. These are shown in Table 1: TABLE 1

Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeted to Candida Albicans

COMPOUND SEQUENCE (5' - 3') TARGET RNA

1275 CAA TTT CTC TCA TAG TTC TA Tubulin initiation of translation

1276 CGG AAC ATA CAA TTT CTC TC Tubulin 5' splice junction intron 1

1277 CAA AAG CAG TTA GTA TAT TT Tubulin splice branch point intron 1

1278 AAA AAT TGT TAG TAA AAT CA Tubulin splice branch point intron 2

1279 CTA AAA AAA AGG GCA AAA GC Tubulin 3' splice junction intron 1

1280 TTC CCA AAA GGC AGC ACC CT Tubulin 3' splice junction intron 2

1281 ATG ATA ACT GCA TGA TGT TG Aspartate initiation of protease translation

1282 GGA AGG ATT CCC GTG TGC GG Aspartate position 585 protease

1283 AAC AAT ACC TAA ACC TTG GA Aspartate transcriptional protease terminator

1284 ACC ACC GTC CAT TTT GAA TG Actin initiation of transcription

1285 TTA AAA CAT ACA CCG TCC A Actin 5' splice site

1286 CTA TAA AAA TGG GTT GTA AT Actin branch and 3' splice site

1287 TGT TGT CGA TAA TAT TAC CA Chitin initiation of synthetase translation

1288 GTG TAT GTC ATG TTG GTA AA Chitin 2nd in-frame synthetase met

1289 TTT AGC TCT AAC ATC ACC AC Chitin termination of synthetase translation Candida albicans is grown in a standard broth, such as Sabouraud dextrose broth (Difco) or yeast nitrogen base with glucose added. Candida is grown in 1 ml of solution and the antisense oligonucleotide compound is added at 50 μM and one half log dilutions thereof. Triplicate tubes are prepared for each dose. Inhibition of Candida growth is expected to occur with an I.C₅₀ of 1-10 μM oligonucleotide compound. EXAMPLE 2 Synthesis and characterization of oligonucleotides and analogs: Unmodified DNA oligonucleotides were synthesized on an automated DNA synthesizer (Applied Biosystems model 38OB) using standard phosphoramidite chemistry with oxidation by iodine, β-cyanoethyldiisopropyl- phosphoramidites were purchased from Applied Biosystems

(Foster City, CA) . For phosphorothioate oligonucleotides, the standard oxidation bottle was replaced by a 0.2 M solution of 3H-l,2-benzodithiole-3-one 1,1-dioxide in acetonitrile for the stepwise thiation of the phosphite linkages. The thiation cycle wait step was increased to 68 seconds and was followed by the capping step.

After cleavage from the controlled pore glass column (Applied Biosystems) and deblocking in concentrated ammonium hydroxide at 55*C for 18 hours, the oligonucleotides were purified by precipitation twice out of 0.5 M NaCl with 2.5 volumes ethanol. Analytical gel electrophoresis was accomplished in 20% acrylamide, 8 M urea, 45 mM Tris-borate buffer, pH 7.0. Oligodeoxynucleotides and their phosphorothioate analogs were judged from electrophoresis to be greater than 80% full length material. EXAMPLE 3

Germ tube assay for antisense oligonucleotide inhibition of Candida: The development of germ tubes, the initial stage in formation of hyphae, is believed to be important in allowing Candida to escape the effect of macrophages. Drugs that inhibit intracellular germ tube formation are potentially able to aid in host defense against Candida infection. Van't Wout et al., J. Antimicrob. Chemotherapy, 25:803 (1990).

Candida albicans is grown overnight in yeast nitrogen base (Difco Laboratories, Detroit, MI) supplemented with 0.15% asparagine and 2% dextrose. Cells are pelleted and washed twice with lx PBS.

For analysis of acute effects, the final pellet is resuspended in DMEM plus 2% glucose at 5 x 10^s cells/ml. 200 μl of this Candida suspension is added to wells in 96- well microtiter plates and oligonucleotides are added to desired concentrations. Plates are placed at 37^βC under 5% CO_z and incubated for one hour. At the end of incubation, glutaraldehyde is added to 0.5% and plates are chilled to 4"C. Cells are examined microscopically and the percent of total cells with germ tubes formed is determined after counting three separate fields.

For analysis of effects of long-term exposure, cells are resuspended in YNB with 0.15% asparagine and 2% dextrose, and oligonucleotides are added. Plates are incubated for four hours at room temperature, after which cells are pelleted and washed in PBS. The final pellet is resuspended in DMEM plus 2% glucose and supplemented with fresh oligonucleotide. Cells are then incubated at 37"C under 5% C0₂ and the germ tube assay performed as for analysis of short-term effects above.

The oligonucleotide analogs tested in germ tube assay for inhibition of Candida albicans are shown in Table 2: TABLE 2 SEQUENCE 3'

TGT CGA TAA TAT TAC CA

II II II II

TTT CTC TCA TAG TTC TA

II II II II

CTG GAT GGA GCC ATT TTC TGG ATG CAC CCA TTT TGT

II II II II

10 ATA GTT CTA TAA TGT TGA TGT GCA TAA TAT TAC CA ACC CAT GAT TGA TTA TAT

II II II II

CTG GAT GGA GCC ATT TTG

15 CAT GAT CAA TGG ATG ACA

II II II II

CAT AAT ATT ACC ATC AAT CAT ATT GAG TTA TGA TCT GAG GTC CAT GTC GTA CGC

20 II II II

Figures 2 A and B show the results of a time course analysis comparing the effects of antisense oligonucleotides (phosphodiester and phosphorothioate analog) specifically hybridizable with the chitin synthetase gene of Candida albicans with several controls. ISIS 2214 (SEQ ID NO: 1) is the phosphodiester oligonucleotide targeted to the AUG region of chitin synthetase. ISIS 2216 (SEQ ID NO: 1) is the phosphorothioate analog of ISIS 2214. ISIS 1049 and ISIS 1082 (SEQ ID NO: 12) are the phosphorodiester and phosphorothioate analog, respectively, of a control sequence hybridizable with a translation initiation codon of the mRNA product of the herpes simplex virus UL13 gene. "Control" indicates untreated cells. Results of germ tube assays at two doses of oligonucleotides, 0.5 and 1.0 μM, are shown in Figure 2(A) and Figure 2(B), respectively. At both doses, ISIS 2216, the phosphorothioate oligonucleotide analog hybridizable with mRNA encoding Candida chitin synthetase, showed a greater inhibition of Candida germ tube formation relative to the other compounds.

SEQUENCE LISTING

(1) GENERAL INFORMATION:

(i) APPLICANT: Hoke, Glenn C. Ecker, David J.

(ii) TITLE OF INVENTION: Inhibition of Candida (iii) NUMBER OF SEQUENCES: 12 (iv) CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS:

(A) ADDRESSEE: Woodcock Washburn Kurtz Mackiewicz & Norris

(B) STREET: One Liberty Place— 46th floor

(C) CITY: Philadelphia

(D) STATE: PA

(E) COUNTRY: USA (F) ZIP: 19103

(V) COMPUTER READABLE FORM:

(A) MEDIUM TYPE: DISKETTE, 3.5 INCH, 1.44 Mb

STORAGE

(B) COMPUTER: IBM PS/2 (C) OPERATING SYSTEM: PC-DOS

(D) SOFTWARE: WORDPERFECT 5.0 (Vi) CURRENT APPLICATION DATA:

(A) APPLICATION NUMBER: n/a

(B) FILING DATE: herewith (C) CLASSIFICATION:

(viii) ATTORNEY/AGENT INFORMATION:

(A) NAME: Licata, Jane M.

(B) REGISTRATION NUMBER: 32,257

(C) REFERENCE/DOCKET NUMBER: ISIS-0432 (ix) TELECOMMUNICATION INFORMATION:

(A) TELEPHONE: (215) 568-3100

(B) TELEFAX: (215) 568-3439

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:l: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 20 base pairs

(B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: Other nucleic acid (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:l:

TGTTGTCGAT AATATTACCA 20

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:2: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 20 base pairs

(B) TYPE: nucleic acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: Other nucleic acid

(iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:2:

CAATTTCTCT CATAGTTCTA 20

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:3:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 21 base pairs

(B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: Other nucleic acid (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:3:

TCACTGGATG GAGCCATTTT C 21

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:4:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 21 base pairs

(B) TYPE: nucleic acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: Other nucleic acid (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES (Xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:4:

CACTGGATGC ACCCATTTTG T 21

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:5:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 21 base pairs

(B) TYPE: nucleic acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: Other nucleic acid (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO

(iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:5:

CTCATAGTTC TATAATGTTG A 21

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:6:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 20 base pairs

(B) TYPE: nucleic acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:6: TGTTGTGCAT AATATTACCA 20

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:7:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 21 base pairs (B) TYPE: nucleic acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: Other nucleic acid (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:7: TTTACCCATG ATTGATTATA T 21

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:8:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 21 base pairs (B) TYPE: nucleic acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:8:

TCACTGGATG GAGCCATTTT G 21

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:9: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 21 base pairs

(B) TYPE: nucleic acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: Other nucleic acid

(iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:9:

TGACATGATC AATGGATGAC A 21

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:10: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 21 base pairs

(B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: Other nucleic acid (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:10:

GTGCATAATA TTACCATCAA T 21

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:11: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 21 base pairs

(B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: Other nucleic acid (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES (Xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:11:

AGCCATATTG AGTTATGATC T 21

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:12: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 21 base pairs

(B) TYPE: nucleic acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: Other nucleic acid (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO

(iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:12:

GCCGAGGTCC ATGTCGTACG C 21

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog specifically hybridizable with at least a portion of mRNA which encodes S-tubulin, actin, chitin synthetase, aspartate protease, translation elongation factor 1, translation elongation factor 2, ribosomal L25 protein, ATPase b subunit, or cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14α- demethylase protein of a Candida.

2. The oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog of claim 1 specifically hybridizable with at least a portion of a transcription initiation site, a translation initiation site, an intron/exon junction, or the 5' cap region of the mRNA.

3. The oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog of claim 1 in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

4. The oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog of claim 1 having from 5 to about 50 nucleic acid base units.

5. The oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog of claim 1 having from 8 to about 25 nucleic acid base units.

6. The oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog of claim 1 having from 12 to about 25 nucleic acid base units.

7. The oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog of claim 1 wherein at least some of the linking groups between nucleotide units of the oligonucleotide comprise sulfur-containing species.

8. The oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog of claim 1 wherein at least some of the linking groups between nucleotide units of the oligonucleotide comprise phosphorothioate moieties. 9. The oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog of claim 1 wherein the mRNA encodes the ,

9-tubulin protein.

10. An oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog specifically hybridizable with an RNA of Candida and comprising at least a portion of one of the sequences

CAA TTT CTC TCA TAG TTC TA,

CGG AAC ATA CAA TTT CTC TC,

CAA AAG CAG TTA GTA TAT TT, AAA AAT TGT TAG TAA AAT CA,

CTA AAA AAA AGG GCA AAA GC,

TTC CCA AAA GGC AGC ACC CT,

ATG ATA ACT GCA TGA TGT TG,

GGA AGG ATT CCC GTG TGC GG, AAC AAT ACC TAA ACC TTG GA,

ACC ACC GTC CAT TTT GAA TG,

TTA AAA CAT ACA CCG TCC A,

CTA TAA AAA TGG GTT GTA AT,

TGT TGT CGA TAA TAT TAC CA, GTG TAT GTC ATG TTG GTA AA, or

TTT AGC TCT AAC ATC ACC AC.

11. The oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog of claim 10 in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

12. The oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog of claim 10 wherein at least some of the linking groups between nucleotide units of the oligonucleotide comprise sulfur-containing species.

13. The oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog of claim 10 wherein at least some of the linking groups between nucleotide units of the oligonucleotide comprise phosphorothioate moieties.

14. A method for treating a Candida infection comprising contacting an animal suspected of having a Candida infection with an oligonucleotide or oligonucleo¬ tide analog specifically hybridizable with at least a portion of mRNA which encodes /3-tubulin, actin, chitin synthetase, aspartate protease, translation elongation factor 1, translation elongation factor 2, ribosomal L25 protein, ATPase b subunit, or cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14α-demethylase protein of Candida.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog is specifically hybridizable with at least a portion of a transcription initiation site, a translation initiation site, an intron/exon junction, or the 5' cap region of the mRNA.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog is in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog has from 5 to about 50 nucleic acid base units.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog has from 8 to about 25 nucleic acid base units.

19. The method of claim 14 wherein the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog has from 12 to about 25 nucleic acid base units.

20. The method of claim 14 wherein at least some of the linking groups between nucleotide units of the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog comprise sulfur- containing species.

21. The method of claim 14 wherein at least some of the linking groups between nucleotide units of the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog comprise phosphorothioate moieties.

22. The method of claim 14 wherein the mRNA encodes the j9-tubulin protein.

23. The method of claim 14 wherein the infection is of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei,

Torulopsis glahrata or Candida parapsilosis .

24. A method for modulating the activity of

Candida comprising contacting an animal suspected of having a Candida infection with an oligonucleotide or oligonucleo- tide analog comprising at least a portion of one of the sequences:

CAA TTT CTC TCA TAG TTC TA,

CGG AAC ATA CAA TTT CTC TC, CAA AAG CAG TTA GTA TAT TT,

AAA AAT TGT TAG TAA AAT CA,

CTA AAA AAA AGG GCA AAA GC,

TTC CCA AAA GGC AGC ACC CT,

ATG ATA ACT GCA TGA TGT TG, GGA AGG ATT CCC GTG TGC GG,

AAC AAT ACC TAA ACC TTG GA,

ACC ACC GTC CAT TTT GAA TG,

TTA AAA CAT ACA CCG TCC A,

CTA TAA AAA TGG GTT GTA AT, TGT TGT CGA TAA TAT TAC CA,

GTG TAT GTC ATG TTG GTA AA, or

TTT AGC TCT AAC ATC ACC AC.

25. An oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog specifically hybridizable with an RNA of Candida and comprising at least a portion of one of the sequences identified in Table 2.

26. The oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog of claim 25 in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

27. The oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog of claim 25 wherein at least some of the linking groups between nucleotide units of the oligonucleotide comprise sulfur-containing species.

28. The oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog of claim 25 wherein at least some of the linking groups between nucleotide units of the oligonucleotide comprise phosphorothioate moieties.

29. A method for modulating the activity of Candida comprising contacting an animal suspected of having a Candida infection with a therapeutically effective amount of an oligonucleotide ro oligonucleotide analog comprising at least a portion of one of the sequences identified in Table 2.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein at least some of the linking groups between nucleotide units of the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog comprise sulfur- containing species.

31. The method of claim 29 wherein at least some of the linking groups between nucleotide units of the oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog comprise phosphorothioate moieties.