Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae whole-cell antigens (NTHi antigens)

Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) whole-cell antigens represent a complex mixture of proteins and lipooligosaccharides derived from the surface of H. influenzae strains that lack a polysaccharide capsule (PubMed: 25135621). Unlike encapsulated strains such as Hib, NTHi is a major cause of mucosal infections, including acute otitis media in children and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults (NIH: NBK8458). These antigens are utilized in the development of whole-cell vaccines, such as the oral inactivated vaccine HI-2100, designed to elicit broad-spectrum immunity against diverse surface proteins like outer membrane proteins P2, P4, and P6 (PubMed: 12819088). By targeting the whole cell, these vaccines aim to overcome the high degree of antigenic variation found among individual NTHi strains (PubMed: 11516405). Therapeutic strategies involving these antigens typically focus on oral or mucosal administration to stimulate local immune defenses and reduce bacterial carriage in the respiratory tract (PubMed: 16143647). The immune response generated typically involves the production of specific IgA and IgG antibodies that interfere with bacterial adherence and promote clearance (PubMed: 10580830). This approach is particularly relevant for preventing recurrent respiratory infections in patients with underlying lung disease (PubMed: 11030361).

Other names

NTHiNon-encapsulated Haemophilus influenzaeNTHi whole-cell lysateNon-typeable H. influenzae

Induction of mucosal and systemic immune responses, including the production of specific IgA and IgG antibodies and T-cell activation, to prevent bacterial colonization and subsequent infection (PubMed: 16143647).