acellular pertussis vaccine (CIGB)

The acellular pertussis vaccine developed by the Cuban Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) is a recombinant protein subunit vaccine designed for the prevention of whooping cough (pertussis). Unlike traditional whole-cell vaccines that use inactivated Bordetella pertussis bacteria, this acellular formulation utilizes specific recombinant antigens, most notably a genetically detoxified pertussis toxin (rPT) produced in the yeast Pichia pastoris. This recombinant approach allows for high-purity antigen production and aims to significantly reduce the adverse reactions (such as fever and local swelling) commonly associated with whole-cell pertussis components. The vaccine is currently in development and is intended to be integrated into multi-valent pediatric combination vaccines, such as hexavalent formulations, to simplify immunization schedules while maintaining high protective efficacy.