acellular pertussis antigen

Acellular pertussis antigen refers to purified components from the bacterium *Bordetella pertussis* used in acellular pertussis vaccines (DTaP, Tdap) to stimulate immunity against pertussis (whooping cough). Compared to whole-cell pertussis vaccines, acellular formulations contain selected *pertussis antigens*—most commonly detoxified pertussis toxin (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), pertactin, and sometimes fimbriae types 2 and 3. These purified proteins elicit an immune response specifically targeting *B. pertussis* virulence factors, thereby conferring protection without the reactogenicity associated with whole-cell vaccines. Acellular pertussis antigens are used in combination vaccines for prophylaxis of pertussis, syncope, and mortality associated with severe infection in infants and children, as well as booster protection in adolescents and adults. The mechanism of action is induction of neutralizing antibodies against the key virulence factors of *B. pertussis*, resulting in prevention of bacterial adhesion and toxicity[1][3][4][5].

Other names

pertussis acellular antigenacellular pertussis componentspurified pertussis antigens