Bordetella pertussis infects the human respiratory tract, leading to a distinctive cough that can last for weeks or even months. At our company, we are committed to providing innovative pertussis vaccine and therapeutic development services to accelerate research and development for pharmaceutical companies around the world.
Overview of Pertussis
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Historically, it was a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. The disease is characterized by a distinctive cough, often followed by a high-pitched "whoop" sound as the individual gasps for breath. Despite significant advances in vaccination, pertussis continues to pose a significant public health challenge due to factors such as waning immunity, evolving bacterial strains, and vaccine hesitancy.
Fig.1 Immunological responses to Bordetella pertussis infection. (Dewan K. K., et al., 2020)
Vaccine Development for Pertussis
The current pertussis vaccine landscape includes the diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine for childhood immunization and the tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) booster for adolescents and adults. While these vaccines have been successful in curtailing the burden of pertussis, several challenges remain.
The evolution of pertussis vaccines has been driven by a deeper understanding of the bacterium's pathogenesis and the host immune response. Key antigens such as pertussis toxin (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), pertactin (PRN), and fimbriae (FIM) have been identified as crucial components for inducing protective immunity.
Pertussis Toxin (PT)
Detoxified PT is an essential component of aP vaccines, driving the immunogenicity of the vaccine.
Filamentous Hemagglutinin (FHA)
Plays a role in bacterial adhesion and is immunogenic, contributing to the protective immunity induced by vaccines.
Pertactin (PRN)
While its loss in circulating strains has raised questions, PRN remains a significant antigen in current vaccines.
Fimbriae (FIM)
Surface proteins that mediate bacterial adhesion, with antibodies against FIM showing potential as a correlate of protection.
Therapeutics Development for Pertussis
In addition to vaccines, the development of therapeutic agents for pertussis is crucial. Antimicrobial agents such as macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin) are the first line of therapeutic to reduce disease severity and prevent transmission. However, the focus has also shifted toward supportive care and therapeutics for severe cases. Moreover, the development of new therapies is focused on understanding the complex interplay between the bacterium and the host immune system, with the aim of reducing disease severity and complications.
With a wealth of expertise in the field, our company specializes in pioneering pertussis drug and therapy development solutions. For further insights, we invite you to click on the link below to discover more about our offerings.
Our Services
At our company, we are deeply committed to pushing the boundaries of pertussis prevention and therapeutics through our robust research and development offerings. Our proficient team of scientists and researchers harnesses cutting-edge scientific progress to drive the creation of novel pertussis vaccines and therapies.
- Chick Embryo Models: Infection was induced via chorioallantoic or yolk sac inoculation.
- Leporine (Rabbit) Models: intranasal or intratracheal inoculation
- Guinea Pig/Mouse/Rat Models
Through our inclusive preclinical research assistance, we empower our partners to make informed choices, enhance their candidate interventions, and navigate regulatory requirements with assurance. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Dewan, Kalyan K., et al. "Acellular pertussis vaccine components: today and tomorrow." Vaccines 8.2 (2020): 217.
- Nieves, Delma J., and Ulrich Heininger. "Bordetella pertussis." Emerging Infections 10 (2016): 311-339.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
