Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, was once a major cause of death for children in the United States and worldwide until vaccines were introduced in the 1940s. The bacterial disease was nearly eradicated in the U.S., with fatalities dropping to double digits each year. However, in recent years, the disease has resurfaced as vaccine coverage declined post the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, several outbreaks occurred, leaving public health officials and hospitals struggling to manage a sudden surge in patients, particularly infants who are too young to be vaccinated and are at risk of severe symptoms.
New research conducted by The University of Texas at Austin aims to enhance future whooping cough vaccines by targeting two key weaknesses in the infection. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, focuses on two powerful antibodies, hu11E6 and hu1B7, which neutralize pertussis toxin (PT) in different ways. Through advanced cryo-electron microscopy techniques, the researchers identified specific epitopes on PT where these antibodies bind. Hu11E6 prevents the toxin from attaching to human cells, while hu1B7 inhibits the toxin from entering cells and causing harm. These findings provide valuable insights for improving vaccine effectiveness and longevity.
Professor Jennifer Maynard, from the Cockrell School of Engineering at UT Austin, believes that incorporating these findings into future pertussis vaccines could lead to better protection against the disease. By targeting the most vulnerable sites on the toxin, the immune system can be trained to mount a more effective defense. Additionally, the antibodies hu1B7 and hu11E6 hold promise as therapeutic treatments for infected and high-risk infants, potentially preventing severe illness and fatalities.
Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria, is notorious for its violent coughing fits that can result in complications such as pneumonia, seizures, and even death, especially in infants. While modern vaccines have reduced the impact of the disease, their effectiveness diminishes over time, necessitating periodic booster shots. Recent outbreaks of whooping cough globally have underscored the importance of vaccination, with missed or delayed vaccinations contributing to the resurgence of the disease.
To combat pertussis effectively, it is crucial to address both the biological complexities of the infection and societal challenges like vaccine hesitancy. Encouraging mothers to receive pertussis vaccinations during pregnancy can provide crucial protection to newborns until they are old enough to be immunized. By focusing on neutralizing epitopes and developing stronger, longer-lasting vaccines, public confidence in pertussis vaccination can be bolstered, potentially averting future outbreaks.
In conclusion, the research conducted at UT Austin offers promising insights into enhancing future whooping cough vaccines and mitigating the resurgence of this deadly disease. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches, the goal is to develop more effective and durable vaccines that can safeguard vulnerable populations and prevent the spread of pertussis.
