Fimbriae type 2 and type 3 of Bordetella pertussis (Fim2 and Fim3)

Fimbriae type 2 and type 3 of Bordetella pertussis are long, thin, filamentous protein structures on the bacterial surface that act as adhesins, enabling the attachment of Bordetella pertussis to ciliated respiratory epithelial cells. Encoded by the fim2 and fim3 genes, these proteins are essential for colonization, immune modulation, and biofilm formation. They serve as major antigens in acellular pertussis vaccines, as antibody responses against Fim2 and Fim3 can prevent or reduce the severity of infection. Structural differences and phase variation in fimbrial antigen expression may impact strain virulence and vaccine effectiveness.

Other names

Fimbriae type 2 (Fim2)Fimbriae type 3 (Fim3)FIM2FIM3Bordetella pertussis agglutinogen 2, agglutinogen 3

Vaccine-induced antibodies target fimbrial antigens, preventing bacterial adhesion and colonization by neutralizing the pathogen (immune response induction)