Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences which code for proteins modulating the virulence of pathogenic fungal strains; vectors which contain these sequences; host cells which have these nucleotide sequences or vectors; proteins modulating the virulence of pathogenic fungal strains, in particular the transcription factor CaTEC1 of Candida albicans; inhibitors thereof, particularly antibodies which are directed against these virulence-modulating proteins; methods for the production of the proteins and inhibitors; methods for the diagnosis and therapy of diseases which are connected with a Candida infection; and also diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions which contain the nucleotide sequences, proteins, host cells and/or antibodies.