Acellular pertussis antigen

Acellular pertussis antigens are purified components from the *Bordetella pertussis* bacterium included in modern acellular pertussis vaccines. The most common are **pertussis toxin (PT, detoxified), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), pertactin (PRN), and fimbriae antigens type 2 and 3 (FIM2/3)**[1][5][9]. These antigens elicit specific antibody and T cell responses to protect against pertussis (whooping cough) infection[4][5][7]. Unlike whole-cell vaccines, acellular formulations lower the risk of adverse reactions, but current evidence suggests they may confer shorter-lived immunity, contributing to resurgent pertussis in some regions[5][6][9]. The exact composition can vary by manufacturer, with combinations of PT, FHA, PRN, and FIM2/3 included at different concentrations[3][5][9]. The term **"Acellular pertussis antigens"** is an umbrella grouping of bacterial immunogens—not a single molecule or receptor[8][9]. The principal target antigens are well-characterized proteins, most notably PT, FHA, PRN, and FIM2/3; their immunogenicity and role in disease mechanism make them critical components in vaccine-induced protection[1][5].

Other names

Pertussis vaccine antigenaP antigensAcellular pertussis vaccine antigensDTaP pertussis antigens

Immunogenicity: induce protective antibody (IgG) and T-cell responses against *Bordetella pertussis* by presentation of key antigens: pertussis toxin (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), pertactin (PRN), and fimbriae (FIM2/3). Neutralization: vaccine-induced antibodies neutralize pertussis toxin and promote bacterial clearance