Open AccessCharacterization of the human immune response to the UK anthrax vaccine
Author(s) -
Baillie Les,
Townend Tim,
Walker Nicki,
Eriksson Ulla,
Williamson Diane
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1016/j.femsim.2004.05.011
Subject(s) - anthrax vaccines , anthrax toxin , biology , epitope , immunization , virology , monoclonal antibody , immunology , antibody , immune system , antigen , population , toxin , bacillus anthracis , microbiology and biotechnology , vaccination , medicine , bacteria , recombinant dna , fusion protein , dna vaccination , biochemistry , genetics , environmental health , gene
The anthrax bipartite lethal toxin (protective antigen (PA) and lethal factor (LF))‐specific antibody responses of humans receiving the UK licensed anthrax vaccine were determined. The PA‐specific IgG response peaked two weeks post immunization and fell back to pre‐boost levels by week 12. The heterogeneity of the host population modulated the extent of the PA‐specific antibody response. Significantly lower levels of LF‐specific antibodies were also detected. Vaccinated individuals recognized the same PA epitope as the protective mouse lethal toxin neutralizing monoclonal 2D3 suggesting that this may also be a target for human protection.