A novel vaccine formulation candidate based on lipooligosaccharides and pertussis toxin against Bordetella pertussis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Pertussis, a severe respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, primarily affects infants and young children.
• Current acellular pertussis vaccines are insufficient, failing to prevent nasal colonization and transmission, leading to pertussis resurgence.
• There is an urgent need for improved pertussis vaccines to combat rising infection rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel two-component pertussis vaccine candidate.
• To assess the immunogenicity and efficacy of the new vaccine against Bordetella pertussis.

Main Methods:

• A two-component vaccine was created using a conjugate of oligosaccharides and pertussis toxin.
• Immunogenicity was assessed by analyzing the Th1/Th2/Th17 immune profile in a mouse model.
• In vitro bactericidal activity and IgG response were measured, along with prophylactic effects in a mouse aerosol infection model.

Main Results:

• The vaccine candidate successfully induced a mixed Th1/Th2/Th17 immune response in mice.
• Strong in vitro bactericidal activity and a significant IgG response were observed.
• The vaccine demonstrated efficient prophylactic effects against Bordetella pertussis in an aerosol infection model.

Conclusions:

• The developed pertussis vaccine candidate induces bactericidal antibodies, providing high protection.
• The vaccine candidate shortens bacterial persistence and has the potential to reduce pertussis outbreaks.
• This novel vaccine holds promise as a next-generation solution for pertussis prevention.