Shigella flexneri antigens (S. flexneri antigens)

Shigella flexneri antigens represent a collection of molecular structures on the surface of the Gram-negative bacterium Shigella flexneri, which is a leading cause of bacillary dysentery worldwide (Kotloff et al., 2018, PubMed: 29503018). The primary target for vaccine development is the O-antigen, the distal carbohydrate portion of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that defines the various serotypes of the species (Phalipon et al., 2008, PubMed: 18316517). Additionally, the invasion plasmid antigens (IpaB, IpaC, and IpaD) are critical components of the Type III Secretion System (T3SS), facilitating the translocation of bacterial effectors into host intestinal cells to promote invasion and intracellular survival (Picking et al., 2005, PubMed: 16112984). Therapeutic interventions, particularly vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, aim to elicit or provide antibodies that bind these antigens to neutralize the pathogen, block cellular entry, and enhance opsonophagocytosis (Mani et al., 2016, PubMed: 27131853). Current clinical candidates include synthetic carbohydrate conjugates and bioconjugate vaccines that specifically target the O-antigen of the most prevalent serotypes, such as 2a (Cohen et al., 2021, PubMed: 33434157). However, the high degree of antigenic variation among serotypes remains a significant challenge for developing a universal vaccine (Riddle et al., 2020, PubMed: 32430104).

Other names

Shigella flexneri surface antigensShigella flexneri O-antigensShigella flexneri invasion plasmid antigensS. flexneri LPS antigens

Induction of humoral and mucosal immunity (IgA and IgG) against bacterial surface components to prevent epithelial invasion, neutralize toxins, and promote pathogen clearance through opsonophagocytosis.