Identification of a new protective antigen of Bordetella pertussis

► Iron starvation induced antigenic proteins as components of new pertussis vaccines. ► IRP1-3 (BP1152) is a surface exposed iron-repressed antigen protective against infection. ► The mechanism of IRP1-3-mediated immunity involves humoral and cellular response. IRP1-3 is conserved and expressed in clinical isolates of Bordetella pertussis.