Immunization with autotransporter Vag8 prevents coughing induced by Bordetella pertussis infection in mice

Abstract

Bordetella pertussis causes pertussis, which is characterized by paroxysmal coughing. This disease is generally prevented through vaccination; however, the number of pertussis cases is increasing worldwide despite high vaccination coverage. We previously reported that an autotransporter of B. pertussis, virulence-associated gene 8 (Vag8), causes coughing in combination with pertussis toxin and lipooligosaccharide. Here, we show that immunization with Vag8 protected mice from coughing after B. pertussis infection and enhanced the efficacy of a current pertussis vaccine containing pertussis toxoid against the cough. Our findings indicate that Vag8 could be a vaccine antigen to prevent pertussis cough.