Texas, USA – April 5

Whooping cough, or pertussis, once stood as a leading cause of death among children in the United States and globally, claiming countless lives before the introduction of vaccines in the 1940s. Thanks to vaccination efforts, the disease was nearly eliminated in the U.S., with annual deaths dwindling to the double digits. However, a troubling resurgence has emerged recently, linked to declines in vaccine coverage post-Covid-19.

In 2024, several outbreaks of whooping cough prompted alarm among public health officials, particularly as infants—who are often too young to be vaccinated—were disproportionately affected. To tackle this worrying trend, researchers from The University of Texas at Austin have developed pivotal insights that aim to enhance whooping cough vaccines by addressing critical vulnerabilities in the infection.

Published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, this groundbreaking research highlights two potent antibodies, hu11E6 and hu1B7, which play a vital role in neutralizing the pertussis toxin (PT)—a major factor in the severity of the disease. Utilizing advanced cryo-electron microscopy, the research team has mapped the specific sites on the pertussis toxin where these antibodies attach. This mapping reveals that hu11E6 obstructs the toxin's ability to bind to human cells, while hu1B7 blocks its entry, preventing harm.

Jennifer Maynard, a professor of chemical engineering at the Cockrell School and a key researcher, emphasized that these discoveries could easily be integrated into upcoming vaccine iterations. 'Current vaccine candidates are promising,' she noted, suggesting that innovations such as mRNA technology and genetic engineering on PT could combine with their findings to yield safer and more effective vaccines.

This research is particularly urgent given the recent 169% surge in whooping cough cases in New York City since 2023, and an alarming 500% increase since 2019. Australia is grappling with its largest outbreak in decades, reporting approximately 41,000 cases this year alone. A significant factor contributing to these outbreaks can be traced to missed vaccinations—both initial and booster shots.

The long-term effectiveness of current vaccines, which typically last only two to five years, underscores the necessity for innovation. Presently, most modern pertussis vaccines are acellular, meaning they contain non-infectious components of the bacteria that train the immune system. The goal moving forward is to enhance these vaccines to provide more robust and durable immunity.

Moreover, the findings from the UT research team not only advance vaccine technology but may also lead to new therapeutic interventions for severely infected infants. With prior studies suggesting that hu1B7 and hu11E6 can mitigate the effects of pertussis infections, researchers are keen to collaborate on ways to protect vulnerable newborns effectively.

The global toll of whooping cough remains staggering, with approximately 200,000 fatalities each year—many of whom are infants and young children. Modern-day health officials warn that despite advancements, the complexities of biological interactions and challenges like vaccine hesitancy hinder progress. Current figures show that while over 90% of kindergarteners in the U.S. complete their vaccinations against pertussis, fewer than 60% of mothers receive their pertussis vaccine during pregnancy, leaving newborns at risk.

Annalee W. Nguyen, a research professor involved in the study, advocates for prevention as key: 'The best way to protect high-risk populations is through vaccination.' By encouraging expectant mothers to receive the pertussis booster and ensuring children stay up to date on their immunizations, families can significantly reduce their risk of infection.

Ultimately, the ongoing research targeting neutralizing epitopes aims to yield vaccines that not only offer stronger, longer-lasting immunity but also restore public confidence in vaccinations. As outbreaks threaten communities, the push for innovative solutions in whooping cough prevention could pave the way for a healthier future.