Immune response to dimeric subunits of the pertussis toxin B oligomer.

Immunization of mice with the dimeric subunits of pertussis toxin (S2-S4 and S3-S4) induced an antibody response detectable by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblot techniques. These antibodies were able to neutralize the ability of pertussis toxin to alter the morphology of Chinese hamster ovary cells. Mice immunized with the dimers were also protected against the leukocytosis-promoting effects of toxin. Based on these data, the dimers of pertussis toxin may be considered for further study as potential vaccine candidates.