Novel Key Biofilm-Forming Surface-Associated Polysaccharide and Protein Antigens of Bordetella pertussis and the Comparative Immunoprotective Potential

Abstract

Whooping cough has resurged in several countries, despite high vaccine coverage, representing a significant public health concern. Biofilm formation has recently been associated with the pathogenesis of Bordetella pertussis. I showed that vaccination of mice with biofilm and two novel biofilm-upregulated proteins induced Th1 immune responses and protected mice from virulent B. pertussis infection. The study identified a novel role of biofilm and its associated antigens as potential new whooping cough vaccines.