Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae bacterial antigens (NTHi antigens)

Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) bacterial antigens are a collection of surface-exposed proteins and structures on NTHi strains, which are characterized by the absence of a polysaccharide capsule (Murphy et al., 2009, Journal of Clinical Investigation). These antigens, such as Protein D, Protein E, Protein F, and PilA, are essential for the bacterium's ability to adhere to and colonize the human respiratory epithelium (Pichichero, 2013, Expert Review of Vaccines). NTHi is a leading cause of acute otitis media in children and a major contributor to the pathogenesis and exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in adults (Wilkinson et al., 2017, European Respiratory Journal). Therapeutic development focuses on these antigens as vaccine candidates to induce protective immunity, specifically through the production of opsonizing antibodies that facilitate bacterial clearance (Langereis & de Jonge, 2015, Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology). Current clinical efforts, such as the development of multicomponent vaccines, aim to provide broad protection against diverse NTHi strains by targeting conserved surface proteins (GSK, 2024, Pipeline). These antigens are also being explored as targets for monoclonal antibodies to prevent colonization in high-risk populations (Su et al., 2020, Vaccines).

Other names

NTHi surface proteinsNon-encapsulated Haemophilus influenzae antigensNTHi adhesinsNTHi outer membrane proteins

Vaccine-mediated induction of opsonophagocytic antibodies and inhibition of bacterial adherence to host tissues.