Antigen-uptake receptors on antigen-presenting cells

Antigen-uptake receptors on antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells and macrophages, are a diverse group of surface proteins that mediate the entry of vaccine components into the immune system. In the context of the Pediacel vaccine, these receptors recognize and internalize various antigens—including diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis toxoids—often complexed with aluminum phosphate adjuvants (Kool et al., 2008, Nature Medicine). Key receptors involved in this process include C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) like the Mannose Receptor (CD206) and DEC-205, which facilitate the transport of antigens into endosomal compartments for processing (Ghazarian et al., 2011, Current Opinion in Chemical Biology). The aluminum adjuvant enhances this process by promoting the recruitment of APCs to the injection site and facilitating the uptake of antigen-adjuvant complexes through macropinocytosis or phagocytosis (Ghimire et al., 2017, Frontiers in Immunology). Once internalized, the aluminum component can activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, while the protein antigens are proteolytically degraded and presented on MHC molecules to initiate a protective adaptive immune response (Marrack et al., 2009, Nature Reviews Immunology). These receptors are essential for the efficacy of multi-component vaccines like Pediacel, as they bridge the gap between innate recognition and long-term immunological memory.

Other names

Endocytic receptorsPattern recognition receptorsC-type lectin receptorsScavenger receptorsAPC uptake receptorsAntigen-uptake receptors on antigen-presenting cells recognizing Pediacel antigens and aluminum-adsorbed antigen complexes

Internalization of vaccine antigens and adjuvants via receptor-mediated endocytosis or phagocytosis, followed by proteolytic processing and MHC-mediated antigen presentation to T cells.