Title:Pertussis Toxin (PTX) and its Non-Toxic Derivatives as Vaccine Adjuvant and Microbicide
Volume: 10
Issue: 5
Author(s): Massimo Alfano and Guido Poli
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Pertussis toxin, HIV, tat, intracellular signaling, protein kinase C, adjuvant, microbicide.
Abstract: The innate immune system accounts for the fastest defense response to microbial invasion although,
conversely, several pathogens can modulate the host response resulting in a modulation of their survival and propagation.
In this regard, some bacterial toxins possess immuno-stimulating properties that have been exploited in terms of vaccine
adjuvanticity and induction of specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Among these, Bordetella pertussis toxin (PTX)
possesses the ability of modulating the immune responses in multiple ways, as demonstrated in vivo as well as in ex-vivo
and in vitro experimental systems. In addition, PTX, as well its nontoxic B-oligomer PTX-B and the genetically
inactivated PT-9K/129G molecule, have been recently shown to inhibit infection of primary cells, lymphoid organs and
cervical tissue by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the etiological agent of the acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome. This article focuses on the regulation of the immune response and on the anti-viral
properties of PTX and of its nontoxic related molecules as an example of exploitation of a natural bacterial product to
combat viral infections.
