Haemophilus influenzae type b Polysaccharide Conjugate Protein(s) (Hib conjugate protein(s))

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) polysaccharide conjugate proteins are the key components of Hib conjugate vaccines, which are designed to prevent invasive diseases caused by Hib bacteria, such as meningitis, pneumonia, and epiglottitis. The target molecule is the capsular polysaccharide of Hib—specifically polyribosyl-ribitol-phosphate (PRP)—which is covalently linked to a carrier protein to enhance immunogenicity. Common carrier proteins include tetanus toxoid, diphtheria toxoid, and outer membrane protein complex from Neisseria meningitidis. The vaccine stimulates both humoral (antibody-mediated) immunity against the capsule as well as cellular immunity via T-helper cell activation.

Other names

Hib vaccineHaemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccinePRP conjugate vaccineHib conjugate

Induces T-dependent antibody response against PRP (polyribosyl-ribitol-phosphate) by conjugating it to a carrier protein, leading to enhanced immunogenicity, class switching, affinity maturation, and memory B cell formation.