Immunological targets of vaccine antigens

Immunological targets of vaccine antigens refers to the specific molecular components of pathogens or tumor cells—such as proteins, glycoproteins, or polysaccharides—that are designed to be recognized by the host's immune system to elicit a protective or therapeutic response (Pollard & Bijker, 2021, Nature Reviews Immunology). These targets are the fundamental basis of vaccine design, acting as the primary stimuli for the adaptive immune system to develop immunological memory (Abbas et al., 2021, Cellular and Molecular Immunology). Upon administration, these antigens are typically captured by antigen-presenting cells, processed, and presented via Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules to T lymphocytes, while also directly engaging B-cell receptors to trigger antibody production (Rappuoli et al., 2016, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery). The selection of these targets is critical for ensuring vaccine efficacy and safety, often focusing on highly conserved and immunodominant regions of a pathogen to prevent escape mutations (Vetter et al., 2018, Annals of Medicine). While not a single molecular entity, these targets are the focus of extensive research in preventing infectious diseases and developing novel immunotherapies for cancer (Plotkin, 2010, Clinical and Vaccine Immunology).

Other names

Vaccine antigensImmunogensProtective antigensEpitopesPathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)

Vaccines introduce or induce the expression of these antigens, which are then recognized by B-cell receptors and processed for presentation to T-cell receptors, ultimately generating long-lived plasma cells and memory B and T cells (Pollard & Bijker, 2021, Nature Reviews Immunology).