Pathogen-derived antigens in the respiratory tract

Pathogen-derived antigens in the respiratory tract refer to a broad category of molecular components, such as proteins, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides, that are produced by viruses, bacteria, or fungi during infection of the human airway (StatPearls, 2023). These antigens are the primary targets for the host's immune system and are critical for the development of vaccines and therapeutic antibodies (Nature Reviews Immunology, 2021). For instance, the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and the hemagglutinin of influenza are well-characterized antigens that facilitate viral entry into host cells. Drugs targeting these antigens, such as monoclonal antibodies or vaccine-induced antibodies, work by neutralizing the pathogen's infectivity or marking it for destruction by immune cells (WHO, 2024). Because this term encompasses a vast array of distinct molecular entities from diverse species, it is considered a functional category rather than a single therapeutic target. The effectiveness of therapies targeting these antigens is often challenged by the rapid evolution of pathogens, leading to antigenic drift and potential immune evasion (Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2022).

Other names

Respiratory pathogen antigensAirway infectious antigensPathogen-associated molecular patterns in the lungRespiratory tract antigens

Neutralization of pathogen entry, opsonization for phagocytosis, and induction of adaptive immune memory through vaccination.