Modulation of immune responses by filamentous haemagglutinin from Bordetella pertussis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA) from Bordetella pertussis modulates immune responses. FHA is an adhesion molecule of B. pertussis and facilitates bacterial binding to the respiratory mucosa following infection. It has been suggested that FHA modulates Th1 responses by stimulating the production of the immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10 from macrophages and dendritic cells (DC). IL-10 production by cells of the innate immune system may be responsible for the delayed development of adaptive immune responses following infection with B. pertussis.