Bordetella pertussis Filamentous Haemagglutinin (FHA)

Filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA) is a large, rod-shaped protein produced by Bordetella pertussis, the bacterium responsible for whooping cough. FHA is both surface-associated and secreted, functioning primarily as an adhesin that mediates bacterial attachment to host cells. It is essential for colonization of the respiratory tract and plays a critical role in pathogenesis. FHA also contributes to biofilm formation and modulates immune responses, inhibiting antigen-dependent CD4+ T cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis in monocytes/macrophages, and downregulating IL-12 production through an IL-10-dependent mechanism. FHA is a key component of acellular pertussis vaccines due to its ability to elicit strong protective antibody responses.

Other names

fhaB gene productFHA adhesin

Antibody-mediated neutralization of FHA, preventing bacterial adhesion and colonization. Modulation of immune response.