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From pertussis to meningococcal disease and back

Andrew Gorringe1

  • 1Health Protection Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury UK. andrew.gorringe@hpa.org.uk

Human Vaccines
|July 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This research spans 30 years, focusing on acellular pertussis vaccines and serogroup B meningococcal disease vaccines. Current work investigates protective immune responses to Bordetella pertussis infection.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Vaccinology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Nearly 30 years of research at Porton, initially at the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research, then the Health Protection Agency.
  • Early work involved developing an acellular pertussis vaccine, including antigen characterization and pathogenesis studies.
  • Research shifted to serogroup B meningococcal disease, exploring vaccine potential of iron-regulated proteins and Neisseria lactamica.

Discussion:

  • The resurgence of pertussis highlights gaps in understanding protective immunity.
  • Focus shifted back to Bordetella pertussis due to evolving disease patterns.
  • Investigating immune responses to infection and disease is crucial for vaccine development.

Key Insights:

  • Development of an acellular pertussis vaccine incorporating fimbriae.
  • Exploration of iron-regulated proteins and Neisseria lactamica for meningococcal vaccines.
  • Identification of knowledge gaps in pertussis immunity.

Outlook:

  • Continued research into protective immune responses against Bordetella pertussis.
  • Addressing the challenges posed by the resurgence of pertussis.
  • Leveraging past research to inform future vaccine strategies for both pertussis and meningococcal diseases.

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