Pertussis vaccine antigens (Pa) (Pa)

Pertussis vaccine antigens are a collection of immunogenic proteins derived from Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough (CDC, 2024). These antigens typically include pertussis toxin (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), pertactin (PRN), and fimbriae (FIM types 2 and 3) (StatPearls, 2023). PT is a major virulence factor and an AB5-type exotoxin that disrupts host cell signaling via ADP-ribosylation of G proteins (UniProt, 2024). FHA, PRN, and FIM function as adhesins, facilitating the attachment of the bacteria to the ciliated respiratory epithelium (PubMed, 2001). In acellular vaccines (aP), these components are purified and PT is chemically or genetically detoxified to maintain safety while inducing a protective immune response (WHO, 2010). The primary goal of these antigens is to stimulate the production of neutralizing antibodies and memory B and T cells to prevent infection and disease severity (StatPearls, 2023). While highly effective at preventing severe disease, immunity from acellular antigens tends to wane over time, necessitating booster doses (CDC, 2024).

Other names

Bordetella pertussis antigensAcellular pertussis antigensPertussis toxinFilamentous hemagglutininPertactinFimbriae types 2 and 3

Induction of active immunity through the production of neutralizing antibodies (IgG) and memory B and T cells against Bordetella pertussis virulence factors, preventing bacterial colonization and neutralizing toxin activity.