Vibrio cholerae O1 O-specific polysaccharide antigen (OSP)

The Vibrio cholerae O1 O-specific polysaccharide (OSP) is a major surface antigen and a key component of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) found on the outer membrane of the cholera-causing bacterium (PMID: 25332131). It serves as the primary target for the host's protective immune response, particularly through the production of vibriocidal antibodies that correlate with protection against the disease (PMID: 29133315). OSP defines the O1 serogroup and its two main serotypes, Ogawa and Inaba, which are responsible for the majority of cholera epidemics worldwide (WHO, 2023). In the context of therapeutics, OSP is the central component of both killed whole-cell and live-attenuated oral cholera vaccines, such as Dukoral and Vaxchora (CDC, 2022). These vaccines work by inducing mucosal IgA and systemic IgG antibodies that inhibit bacterial colonization and motility in the human gut (PMID: 24106295). Beyond vaccines, OSP is also a target for the development of monoclonal antibodies and synthetic carbohydrate-based conjugate vaccines aimed at providing more durable immunity (PMID: 30104365).

Other names

O-antigenO-polysaccharideVibrio cholerae O1 LPSOgawa O-antigenInaba O-antigen

Induction of vibriocidal antibodies (IgA and IgG) that prevent bacterial colonization and motility in the small intestine (PMID: 29133315).