Abstract: The invention generally provides methods of treating or preventing infection and/or disease associated with different fungal pathogens in a subject in need, using an isolated antiserum generated against an immunogenic peptide of one fungal pathogen that contains antibodies that cross-protect the subject from infection and/or disease associated with one or more different fungal pathogens. The antiserum may be generated against a Kexin peptide derived from one of a Pneumocystis, Aspergillus, Candida, or Cryptococcus fungal pathogen. The resulting cross-protective, isolated antiserum may be used as a therapeutic for treating or protecting a subject who receives the antiserum against infection and/or disease associated with multiple fungal pathogens, in addition to the pathogen against which the antiserum is generated.

Abstract: Described are immunogenic compositions comprising a non-naturally occurring pan-fungal Kex peptide, and methods of using such compositions for the treatment or prevention of infection and/or diseases associated with fungal pathogens (e.g., Pneumocystis, Aspergillus, Candida, or Cryptococcus) in the subject. Also provided are compositions and kits for detecting or quantifying the presence of antibodies directed against a non-naturally occurring pan-fungal Kex peptide in a subject.