Identification of peptides that mimic the pertussis toxin binding site on bovine fetuin.

The introduction of acellular pertussis vaccines has greatly enhanced the safety profile of vaccines to prevent whooping cough. Pertussis toxin (Ptx) is one component produced by Bordetella pertussis that is contained in all of these vaccines, either in combination with other known pertussis virulence factors or as the sole pertussis component, combined with tetanus and diphtheria toxoids. A hydrogen peroxide toxoid of Ptx has been shown to be efficacious in preventing pertussis infections in a mass vaccination trial and is presently licensed in the United States and Europe (B.