Antibody Breakthrough in Whooping Cough Vaccine

Whooping cough vaccine development is entering a promising new chapter thanks to groundbreaking antibody research from the University of Texas at Austin. As pertussis cases resurge globally due to declining vaccination rates, this new study identifies critical antibody targets that could lead to more potent and long-lasting vaccines—potentially changing the course of infant protection worldwide.

Breakthrough Antibodies for a Better Whooping Cough Vaccine

Researchers have identified two antibodies, hu11E6 and hu1B7, that neutralize pertussis toxin (PT)—a major factor in the disease’s severity. These antibodies target specific epitopes that can serve as blueprints for more effective vaccine design. This could be the key to reinvigorating global protection, especially for newborns and high-risk groups.

Targeting Pertussis Toxin to Strengthen Vaccine Immunity

A core challenge in designing a powerful whooping cough vaccine is the toxin produced by Bordetella pertussis. By using cryo-electron microscopy, UT researchers mapped out where hu11E6 and hu1B7 attach to the toxin. These antibodies block either the binding or internalization of the toxin, offering dual protection. With these insights, vaccine developers can target these vulnerable sites for stronger immunity.

Harnessing mRNA and Recombinant Technologies for New Vaccines

Professor Jennifer Maynard, the lead author, emphasized that these findings could easily integrate into next-gen platforms, including mRNA-based whooping cough vaccines and recombinant acellular pertussis vaccines using PTgen. Such formulations could ensure longer-lasting and more robust protection—key factors in curbing the resurgence.

Antibodies as Therapeutics for Infected Infants

The potential of hu11E6 and hu1B7 extends beyond prevention. These antibodies may also serve as therapeutic interventions for newborns too young to be vaccinated. UT Austin is actively seeking partnerships to further explore clinical applications aimed at preventing lung damage and death from severe pertussis infection.

Global Pertussis Outbreaks Highlight Urgent Whooping Cough Vaccine Needs

Despite earlier successes, the whooping cough vaccine is currently limited by waning immunity. Recent outbreaks—like a 169% case spike in NYC and 41,000 infections in Australia—underscore the urgency for stronger vaccines. These cases are primarily due to delayed booster doses and missed maternal vaccinations during pregnancy.

Combating Vaccine Hesitancy and Strengthening Maternal Immunization

Overcoming vaccine hesitancy is as vital as scientific innovation. The CDC reports only 60% of pregnant women receive the pertussis booster. Co-author Annalee Nguyen stressed the importance of maternal immunization, which offers vital protection for newborns before their first shots. Next-generation vaccines with better efficacy could rebuild public trust and increase vaccine uptake.

Future-Ready Vaccines to Prevent a Preventable Disease

By honing in on toxin-neutralizing epitopes, researchers have laid the foundation for a next-gen whooping cough vaccine with improved effectiveness and durability. These scientific advances, paired with public health education, could reverse the rising tide of pertussis infections and protect the most vulnerable.

For more information: Goldsmith, J. A., et al. (2025). Structural basis for neutralizing antibody binding to pertussis toxin. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2419457122.