The Bordetella adenylate cyclase repeat-in-toxin (RTX) domain is immunodominant and elicits neutralizing antibodies

Abstract

Background: The protective antigen adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT) has not been included in current pertussis vaccines partly due to incomplete understanding of its protective epitopes. Results: The repeat-in-toxin (RTX) domain is immunodominant in mice and contains neutralizing epitopes. Conclusion: The RTX domain induces similar neutralizing antibody responses as ACT. Significance: The RTX domain may be an alternative to ACT for inclusion in future vaccines.