Bordetella pertussis virulence factors (B. pertussis antigens)

Bordetella pertussis virulence factors, primarily Pertussis toxin (PT), Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), Pertactin (PRN), and Fimbriae (FIM), are the essential molecular targets for vaccines against whooping cough [1][2]. Pertussis toxin is a complex AB5 exotoxin that disrupts host cell signaling by ADP-ribosylating the alpha subunit of inhibitory G-proteins, leading to unregulated adenylate cyclase activity and impaired immune cell function [1][4]. The adhesins FHA, PRN, and FIM are critical for the bacteria's ability to attach to and colonize the ciliated respiratory epithelium of the host [2][4]. Modern acellular vaccines (DTaP and Tdap) utilize these purified antigens to stimulate the production of vaccine-induced antibodies [3]. These antibodies provide protection by neutralizing the enzymatic activity of PT and sterically hindering the binding of adhesins to host cells, thereby preventing both the systemic effects of the toxin and the establishment of the bacterial infection [1][3][5]. Monitoring antibody titers against these specific antigens serves as a biomarker for vaccine efficacy and population immunity [3].

Other names

Pertussis toxin and other Bordetella pertussis virulence factors bound by vaccine-induced antibodiesPertussis toxinFilamentous hemagglutininPertactinFimbriae type 2Fimbriae type 3PTFHAPRNFIM

Induction of neutralizing antibodies that inhibit toxin-mediated ADP-ribosylation of host G-proteins and prevent bacterial attachment to respiratory epithelial cells.