Vibrio cholerae O1 whole inactivated bacterial cell (WC-O1)

Vibrio cholerae O1 whole inactivated bacterial cells are the primary antigenic components used in oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) to prevent cholera, a severe diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae [10, 13]. These cells are typically inactivated through heat or formalin treatment, preserving the structural integrity of key surface antigens, most notably the O-specific polysaccharide (OSP) of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) [1, 3]. Upon oral administration, these inactivated cells are taken up by M cells in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), where they trigger the activation of B and T lymphocytes [12]. This process leads to the production of secretory IgA (SIgA) at the mucosal surface and systemic vibriocidal antibodies, which provide protection by inhibiting bacterial colonization and motility in the small intestine [3, 9]. The O1 serogroup is further divided into Inaba and Ogawa serotypes, both of which are typically included in vaccine formulations to ensure broad protection against circulating strains [3, 12]. While these antigens are highly effective in inducing immunity in adults and older children, they often exhibit lower immunogenicity and shorter duration of protection in children under five years of age [3, 6]. Consequently, they remain a central focus of global health initiatives and ongoing research into improved vaccine formulations, such as conjugate vaccines [3, 6].

Other names

Killed whole-cell Vibrio cholerae O1Inactivated Vibrio cholerae O1WC-O1Killed whole-vibrioInactivated whole-cell cholera vaccine antigen

Stimulates mucosal and systemic immunity by presenting somatic antigens, primarily the O-specific polysaccharide, to the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, leading to the production of protective vibriocidal antibodies and secretory IgA that inhibit bacterial colonization [3, 9, 12].