IgA-driven T cell-mediated anti-bacterial immunity in man after live oral Ty 21a vaccine

Cellular immunity against Salmonella typhi was observed by using a direct anti-bacterial in vitro assay in volunteers orally vaccinated with the live S. typhi mutant strain Ty 21a. With this experimental approach, it was demonstrated that Ty 21a vaccine also induces cellular immunity against S. paratyphi A and B. Interestingly, the mechanism involved in cellular immunity against bacteria seems to be of an antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) type, with IgA acting as the humoral arm and CD4+ T lymphocytes as the cellular one. In accordance with the increase in IgA-driven ADCC against S. typhi, a major rise in IgA against O and H antigens was observed in the serum of vaccinees in parallel to an increase in IgG of identical specificity. Furthermore, a Ty 21 vaccine induced cellular activity against flagellar antigens. These results indicate that IgA-ADCC by T lymphocytes against bacteria can originate from local stimulation of the gut mucosal immune system. This cellular defense mechanism might be at the origin of the protection induced by Ty 21a vaccine.