Fungal glucosylceramide as a vaccine for fungal infections

The invention features a composition comprising a fungal glucosylceramide (GlcCer) purified from a non-pathogenic fungus (eg, Candida utilis) and optionally an adjuvant. The invention also features a method for treating a patient having a fungal disease and a method for preventing a fungal disease in a subject by administration of these compositions. Also, (a) providing a fungal glucosylceramide isolated from a non-pathogenic fungus; and (b) mixing the fungal glucosylceramide with an adjuvant in a physiologically acceptable excipient Methods for formulating a vaccine are within the scope of the present invention.