Glycan surface antigens from Bacillus anthracis as vaccine targets: current status and future perspectives

Over recent years great attention has been directed to the discovery of novel antigens from Bacillus anthracis, because of the potential of its spores in the development of weapons for mass destruction. Substantial effort has been directed to the identification and immunochemical evaluation of glycans that might be used for specific diagnostic detection of the spores or immune-mediated prevention of anthrax. Carbohydrate structures found on surfaces of vegetative cells and spores are herein discussed. Among them, the cell wall polysaccharide and the tetrasaccharide unit isolated from the exosporium protein BclA were proven immunogenic in an animal model after covalent linkage to carrier protein. Further investigation is needed to fully assess the potential of these promising carbohydrate antigens for vaccine development.