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Pertussis-specific cell-mediated immunity in infants after vaccination with a tricomponent acellular pertussis

F Zepp1, M Knuf, P Habermehl

  • 1Pediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Germany. zepp@mzdmza.zdv.uni-mainz.de

Infection and Immunity
|October 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

This study shows that infant pertussis vaccination with a tricomponent acellular vaccine generates lasting cell-mediated immunity. These T-cell responses remain stable, unlike antibody levels, suggesting a role in sustained protection.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pertussis (whooping cough) remains a concern despite vaccination.
  • Understanding cell-mediated immunity post-vaccination is crucial for assessing protection duration.
  • Acellular pertussis vaccines are widely used, necessitating research into their immunological impact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate pertussis-specific cell-mediated immunity in infants receiving a tricomponent acellular vaccine.
  • To analyze immune responses during primary vaccination and after a booster dose.
  • To characterize T-cell responses and cytokine profiles in infants under 12 months.

Main Methods:

  • Infants were monitored during primary vaccination (3-6 months) and pre/post-booster (15-24 months).
  • T-cell responses to vaccine antigens (detoxified pertussis toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin, pertactin) were assessed.
  • Activation marker expression (CD45RO) and cytokine secretion (IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-10) were measured.

Main Results:

  • The vaccine induced progressive T-cell responses specific to pertussis antigens.
  • Cell-mediated immunity remained stable between primary vaccination and booster doses, contrasting with declining antibody titers.
  • Vaccination increased CD45RO+ T cells and promoted a T-helper 1 cytokine profile (IL-2, IFN-γ).

Conclusions:

  • Tricomponent acellular pertussis vaccines induce persistent cell-mediated immunity in infants.
  • Stable cell-mediated immune responses may contribute to the protective mechanisms of pertussis vaccination.
  • Further research is needed to understand the persistence of cell-mediated immunity and its role in vaccine efficacy over time.

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