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Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice
Published on: February 22, 2019
Bordetella pertussis infection or vaccination substantially protects mice against B. bronchiseptica infection
Elizabeth M Goebel1, Xuqing Zhang, Eric T Harvill
1Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.
Abstract:
Although B. bronchiseptica efficiently infects a wide range of mammalian hosts and efficiently spreads among them, it is rarely observed in humans. In contrast to the many other hosts of B. bronchiseptica, humans are host to the apparently specialized pathogen B. pertussis, the great majority having immunity due to vaccination, infection or both. Here we explore whether immunity to B. pertussis protects against B. bronchiseptica infection. In a murine model, either infection or vaccination with B. pertussis induced antibodies that recognized antigens of B. bronchiseptica and protected the lower respiratory tract of mice against three phylogenetically disparate strains of B. bronchiseptica that efficiently infect naïve animals. Furthermore, vaccination with purified B. pertussis-derived pertactin, filamentous hemagglutinin or the human acellular vaccine, Adacel, conferred similar protection against B. bronchiseptica challenge. These data indicate that individual immunity to B. pertussis affects B. bronchiseptica infection, and suggest that the high levels of herd immunity against B. pertussis in humans could explain the lack of observed B. bronchiseptica transmission. This could also explain the apparent association of B. bronchiseptica infections with an immunocompromised state.
Insights
Immunity to whooping cough (Bordetella pertussis) protects mice against B. bronchiseptica infection. This suggests herd immunity to B. pertussis may prevent B. bronchiseptica transmission in humans.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bordetella bronchiseptica infects many mammals but rarely humans.
- Humans are primarily infected by the specialized pathogen Bordetella pertussis, with widespread immunity from vaccination or infection.
- The relationship between B. pertussis immunity and B. bronchiseptica infection in humans is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if immunity to B. pertussis confers protection against B. bronchiseptica infection.
- To explore the potential role of B. pertussis herd immunity in limiting B. bronchiseptica transmission in humans.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a murine model to assess protection against B. bronchiseptica after B. pertussis infection or vaccination.
- Administered B. pertussis vaccination using purified antigens (pertactin, filamentous hemagglutinin) and a human acellular vaccine (Adacel).
- Challenged vaccinated/infected mice with three distinct strains of B. bronchiseptica.
Main Results:
- B. pertussis infection or vaccination generated antibodies recognizing B. bronchiseptica antigens.
- Mice with B. pertussis immunity showed protection in the lower respiratory tract against B. bronchiseptica challenge.
- Vaccination with specific B. pertussis components (pertactin, FHA) or Adacel provided significant protection.
Conclusions:
- Immunity to B. pertussis demonstrably impacts B. bronchiseptica infection.
- High levels of B. pertussis herd immunity in humans likely explain the rarity of B. bronchiseptica transmission.
- This cross-protection may also account for the observed association of B. bronchiseptica with immunocompromised individuals.
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