The ABCs (antibody, B cells, and carbohydrate epitopes) of cholera immunity: Considerations for an improved vaccine

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2006

Abstract

Cholera, a diarrheal disease, is known for explosive epidemics that can quickly kill thousands. Endemic cholera is a seasonal torment that also has a significant mortality. Not all nations with extensive rural communities can achieve the required infrastructure or behavioral changes to prevent epidemic or endemic cholera. For some communities, a single-dose cholera vaccine that protects those at risk is the most efficacious means to reduce morbidity and mortality. It is clear that our understanding of what a protective cholera immune response is has not progressed at the rate our understanding of the pathogenesis and molecular biology of cholera infection has. This review addresses V. cholerae lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-based immunogens because LPS is the only immunogen proven to induce protective antibody in humans. We discuss the role of anti-LPS antibodies in protection from cholera, the importance and the potential role of B cell subsets in protection that is based on their anatomical location and the intrinsic antigen-receptor specificity of various subsets is introduced.

Comments

© owned by Center for Academic Publications Japan (Publisher)

First Page

899

Last Page

927

Publication Title

Microbiology and Immunology

DOI

10.1111/j.1348-0421.2006.tb03866.x

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