B-cell receptor specific for pertussis toxin

B-cell receptors (BCRs) specific for Bordetella pertussis toxin epitopes are specialized transmembrane proteins on B lymphocytes that mediate the humoral immune response against whooping cough (NIH, 2015). These receptors recognize specific antigenic determinants (epitopes) on the pertussis toxin (PT), a complex AB5-type exotoxin and primary virulence factor of Bordetella pertussis (NIH, 2015; Creative Diagnostics, 2015). Binding of the toxin or its toxoid (found in vaccines) to the BCR initiates intracellular signaling cascades, including the activation of kinases and calcium mobilization, which drive B-cell proliferation and differentiation into plasma cells (MDPI, 2024). These plasma cells produce high-affinity antibodies that neutralize the toxin, preventing its entry into host cells and its subsequent disruption of G protein-coupled receptor signaling (NIH, 2015). In clinical practice, these BCRs are the functional targets of acellular and whole-cell pertussis vaccines, which aim to establish long-term immunological memory (Drugs.com, 2024; NIH, 2015). Understanding the interaction between these receptors and PT epitopes is essential for improving vaccine efficacy and addressing the challenge of waning immunity in vaccinated populations (NIH, 2015). Research into these BCRs also informs the development of monoclonal antibodies for passive immunization or therapeutic use in severe cases of pertussis (NIH, 2015).

Other names

Pertussis toxin-specific B-cell receptorPT-specific BCRB-cell receptor for Bordetella pertussis toxinAnti-pertussis toxin B-cell receptor

Antigen binding to the B-cell receptor triggers intracellular signaling, leading to B-cell activation, clonal expansion, and the production of neutralizing antibodies against pertussis toxin.