Pathogen-derived surface antigen

Pathogen-derived surface antigens encompass a broad class of molecules, including proteins, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides, located on the external surfaces of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. These molecules are critical for the pathogen's life cycle, often mediating attachment to host cells, facilitating entry, or aiding in evasion of the host's immune system (Abbas et al., 2021). As the primary interface between the pathogen and the host, these antigens are the principal targets for vaccine development and monoclonal antibody therapies (Pollard & Bijker, 2021). For instance, the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and the hemagglutinin of influenza are well-characterized surface antigens used to elicit protective immune responses (NIH, 2024). However, the high rate of mutation in many pathogens leads to antigenic drift, which can render existing vaccines and therapies less effective over time (Sanjuán & Domingo-Calap, 2016). Consequently, these targets require continuous surveillance and the development of broadly neutralizing agents to combat emerging variants (CDC, 2023).

Other names

Microbial surface antigensViral surface proteinsBacterial surface antigensEnvelope proteinsCapsid proteinsSurface-exposed antigens

Neutralization of pathogen entry, opsonization for phagocytosis, and activation of the complement system.