Bordetella pertussis fimbriae type 2 (Fim2)

Bordetella pertussis fimbriae type 2 (Fim2) is a major surface-exposed filamentous appendage, or pilus, found on the Gram-negative bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which is the primary causative agent of whooping cough (pertussis) [PMID: 25703945]. These fimbriae are composed of polymerized subunits and play a critical role in the pathogenesis of the infection by mediating the initial adherence of the bacteria to the ciliated respiratory epithelial cells of the host [PMID: 10931140]. Fim2 is one of the two major serotypes of fimbriae produced by B. pertussis, the other being Fim3, and the expression of these types can undergo phase variation or serotype shifting in response to host immune pressure [PMID: 11118168]. Due to its high immunogenicity and essential role in colonization, Fim2 is included as a key antigen in several multi-component acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines [PMID: 15501603]. Vaccination with Fim2-containing products aims to elicit a robust humoral immune response that blocks bacterial attachment and promotes clearance, thereby preventing the severe paroxysmal coughing associated with the disease [PMID: 24216286]. Monitoring the prevalence of Fim2 versus Fim3 in circulating strains is vital for assessing vaccine efficacy and understanding the molecular epidemiology of pertussis outbreaks [PMID: 22914311].

Other names

Fim2Serotype 2 fimbriaeFimbrial subunit 2Bordetella pertussis pilus type 2

Induction of neutralizing antibodies (IgG) that bind to the fimbriae, preventing bacterial attachment to the host respiratory cilia and facilitating opsonophagocytosis.