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Bordetella pertussis fimbriae (Fim): relevance for vaccines

Andrew R Gorringe1, Thomas E Vaughan

  • 1Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK.

Expert Review of Vaccines
|August 9, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Bordetella pertussis fimbriae, Fim2 and Fim3, are key antigens in pertussis vaccines. Their expression is regulated, and Fim2 shows higher immunogenicity than Fim3 in acellular vaccines.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Bordetella pertussis expresses two distinct fimbriae, Fim2 and Fim3, crucial for whole-cell pertussis vaccines.
  • Fimbrial expression is regulated by the BvgA/S system and poly(C) tract length.
  • Anti-fimbriae antibodies correlate with protection in clinical trials of pertussis vaccines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role and immunogenicity of Fim2 and Fim3 fimbriae in Bordetella pertussis.
  • To understand the regulation of fimbrial expression and its impact on vaccine efficacy.
  • To analyze the changing serotypes of B. pertussis isolates and their potential link to vaccination or genotype.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of fimbrial gene expression regulation by the BvgA/S system.
  • Assessment of poly(C) tract length influence on Fim2 and Fim3 expression.
  • Evaluation of anti-fimbriae antibody responses in relation to vaccine efficacy and protection.

Main Results:

  • Both Fim2 and Fim3 fimbriae are expressed during B. pertussis infection.
  • Fim2 is demonstrated to be more immunogenic than Fim3 in the context of acellular pertussis vaccines.
  • The predominant serotype of B. pertussis isolates has shifted over time, with unclear links to vaccination or genotype.

Conclusions:

  • Fim2 and Fim3 are significant antigens for pertussis vaccines, with Fim2 being more immunogenic.
  • Understanding fimbrial expression and serotype dynamics is crucial for developing effective pertussis vaccines.
  • Further research is needed to determine if serotype changes are vaccine-driven or linked to genetic factors.
Keywords:
Bordetella pertussisFim2Fim3antibodyfimbriaeserotypevaccine

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