Anthrax, toxins and vaccines: a 125-year journey targeting Bacillus anthracis.

Abstract

Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax, a disease that plagues both humans and various animal species. Effective vaccines are available, but those approved for human use are crude culture supernatants that require multiple injections and a yearly boost. Many experts agree that it is now time for the next generation of human vaccines against anthrax. Accordingly, this review will succinctly focus upon: pathogenesis of B. anthracis, with particular emphasis upon the immune system; the pertinent biophysical nature of protective antigen, which includes how the protein toxin component affords protection as a vaccine target; alternative methods for improving protective antigen as an immunogen; and additional B. anthracis antigens that might further sustain protective titers in humans. In addition to a better understanding of the disease process elicited by B. anthracis, which will logically lead to better vaccines (and therapeutics), there also needs to be the same level of open-mindedness applied to the politics of anthrax.

• Authors: Jean-Nicolas Tournier, Robert G Ulrich, Anne Quesnel-Hellmann, Mansour Mohamadzadeh, Bradley G Stiles
• Journal: Expert review of anti-infective therapy (Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther) Vol. 7 Issue 2 Pg. 219-36 (Mar 2009) ISSN: 1744-8336 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19254170 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Review)

Chemical References

• Anthrax Vaccines
• Antigens, Bacterial
• Bacterial Toxins
• Virulence Factors
• anthrax toxin

Topics

• Anthrax (immunology, microbiology, prevention & control)
• Anthrax Vaccines (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Antigens, Bacterial (chemistry, physiology)
• Bacillus anthracis (immunology, pathogenicity)
• Bacterial Toxins (chemistry)
• Humans
• Models, Immunological
• Virulence
• Virulence Factors (chemistry, physiology)