B-cell receptor specific for Haemophilus influenzae type b polyribosyl-ribitol phosphate (Hib PRP-specific BCR) (Hib PRP-specific BCR)

The B-cell receptor specific for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) polyribosyl-ribitol phosphate (PRP) is a membrane-bound immunoglobulin that recognizes the capsular polysaccharide of Hib, which is its primary virulence factor (CDC, 2021). These receptors are the critical targets for Hib conjugate vaccines, which are designed to prevent invasive diseases such as meningitis and pneumonia (WHO, 2013). Because PRP is a T-cell independent antigen, it does not naturally elicit a strong immune response in children under two years of age; however, conjugate vaccines link PRP to a carrier protein to engage T-cell help (Pichichero, 2013). When the BCR binds the PRP-conjugate, the complex is internalized, and the carrier protein is processed and presented to T-cells, leading to B-cell differentiation into memory cells and long-lived plasma cells (Pollard et al., 2009). This process results in the production of high-affinity anti-PRP IgG antibodies, which are essential for opsonophagocytic killing of the pathogen (Kelly et al., 2004). Monitoring the efficacy of targeting these receptors is typically done by measuring serum anti-PRP antibody concentrations, where levels above 1.0 µg/mL are associated with long-term protection (WHO, 2013).

Other names

Anti-PRP B-cell receptorHaemophilus influenzae type b capsular polysaccharide-specific B-cell receptorPRP-specific BCRHib BCR

Vaccine-mediated stimulation of B-cell receptors to induce a T-cell dependent immune response, leading to clonal expansion, isotype switching, and the generation of high-affinity IgG antibodies and memory B cells (Pichichero, 2013; Pollard et al., 2009).