Haemophilus influenzae type b Capsular Polysaccharide Conjugated to Protein Carrier (Hib conjugate vaccine)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) capsular polysaccharide conjugated to a protein carrier is the active component in Hib conjugate vaccines. These vaccines are designed to prevent invasive diseases caused by Hib. The target molecule is the capsular polysaccharide of Hib—specifically polyribosyl-ribitol-phosphate (PRP)—which is chemically linked (conjugated) to a protein carrier such as tetanus toxoid (TT), diphtheria toxoid (DT), or an outer membrane protein from Neisseria meningitidis. Upon administration, the conjugate vaccine introduces the PRP-protein complex into the body. Antigen-presenting cells process both components: B cells recognize PRP while T-helper cells recognize peptides from the carrier protein presented on MHC II molecules. This interaction leads to activation and proliferation of B cells specific for PRP with help from T-helper cells activated by the carrier protein. The result is high-affinity anti-Hib antibodies and long-lasting immunity.

Other names

Hib vaccineActHIBHiberixPedvaxHIBOmniHIBComvaxQuimi-HibPRP-conjugate vaccine

Induces a T-cell dependent immune response to Haemophilus influenzae type b capsular polysaccharide (PRP), leading to the production of anti-PRP antibodies.