Bacteria virus illustration (IMAGE) University of California - San Diego Caption This illustration shows SA (golden spheres) and various antigens and antibodies. Dominant antigens (purple) cause SA to produce non-protective antibodies (red with purple tips). These nonprotective antibodies outcompete antibodies derived from vaccination (green with purple tips). Vaccines targeting subdominant antigens (blue) could help yield more protective antibodies (green with blue tips), making the vaccine more effective. Credit JR Caldera/ UC San Diego Health Sciences Usage Restrictions Use photo credit License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.