Yersinia pestis antigens

Yersinia pestis antigens commonly refer to the principal virulence factors used by the bacterium to evade host defenses, adhere to host cells, or inject cytotoxic proteins via the type III secretion system. The F1 capsular antigen (Caf1) forms a protective polymeric capsule that inhibits phagocytosis, playing a major role in the bacterium’s ability to evade the immune system and acting as a key target for vaccine and diagnostic strategies[2][6][7][9]. The V antigen (LcrV) is a multifunctional outer membrane protein critical for regulating the Yop type III secretion system and modulating host immune responses, also serving as a vaccine antigen[1][5]. The pH 6 antigen (PsaA) is a fimbrial adhesin involved in specific attachment to mammalian cells and has a documented role in virulence[3]. Together, these antigens serve as diagnostic markers, vaccine targets, and models for studying bacterial pathogenicity. However, "Yersinia pestis antigens" as a collective term is not a singular, well-defined molecular target; accurate scientific discourse requires referring to individual antigens by their canonical names.

Other names

F1 antigenV antigenLcrVCaf1pH 6 antigenPsaA

F1 and LcrV serve as subunit vaccine components, inducing protective antibodies that block bacterial immune evasion and facilitate clearance