Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139 surface antigen

The Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139 surface antigens are carbohydrate structures located on the outer membrane of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, forming the O-antigenic portion of its lipopolysaccharide (LPS)[1][4]. These antigens define the two main epidemic serogroups, O1 and O139, that cause all global pandemics and large outbreaks of cholera, a severe diarrheal disease[1][6]. The O1 antigen is a homopolymer of perosamine sugars, while the O139 antigen is chemically distinct and also associated with a polysaccharide capsule[1][6]. They are essential virulence and immune determinants, required for colonization, immune evasion, and survival, and are principal targets for both natural immune responses and cholera vaccines[2][4]. Antigenic phase variation can modulate expression of these antigens, promoting bacterial persistence and occasionally reducing vaccine efficacy[2]. Both antigens are diagnostic and vaccine targets; antibodies elicited against them can provide strain-specific protection[2][4].

Other names

O1 antigenO139 antigenVibrio cholerae O1 surface antigenVibrio cholerae O139 surface antigenV. cholerae O1 LPS (lipopolysaccharide O1 antigen)V. cholerae O139 LPS (lipopolysaccharide O139 antigen)O-antigen (of V. cholerae)

Induction of adaptive immune response (production of O1/O139-specific antibodies to neutralize and clear V. cholerae); Inhibition of colonization and infection by blocking antigen attachment to host tissues; Bacteriophage therapy (some phages specifically target O1 antigen for attachment and lysis)