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From pertussis to meningococcal disease and back
1Health Protection Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury UK. andrew.gorringe@hpa.org.uk
Human Vaccines
|July 29, 2011
Summary
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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