1
|
Montero DA, Vidal RM, Velasco J, Carreño LJ, Torres JP, Benachi O. MA, Tovar-Rosero YY, Oñate AA, O'Ryan M. Two centuries of vaccination: historical and conceptual approach and future perspectives. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1326154. [PMID: 38264254 PMCID: PMC10803505 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1326154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past two centuries, vaccines have been critical for the prevention of infectious diseases and are considered milestones in the medical and public health history. The World Health Organization estimates that vaccination currently prevents approximately 3.5-5 million deaths annually, attributed to diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza, and measles. Vaccination has been instrumental in eradicating important pathogens, including the smallpox virus and wild poliovirus types 2 and 3. This narrative review offers a detailed journey through the history and advancements in vaccinology, tailored for healthcare workers. It traces pivotal milestones, beginning with the variolation practices in the early 17th century, the development of the first smallpox vaccine, and the continuous evolution and innovation in vaccine development up to the present day. We also briefly review immunological principles underlying vaccination, as well as the main vaccine types, with a special mention of the recently introduced mRNA vaccine technology. Additionally, we discuss the broad benefits of vaccines, including their role in reducing morbidity and mortality, and in fostering socioeconomic development in communities. Finally, we address the issue of vaccine hesitancy and discuss effective strategies to promote vaccine acceptance. Research, collaboration, and the widespread acceptance and use of vaccines are imperative for the continued success of vaccination programs in controlling and ultimately eradicating infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Montero
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roberto M. Vidal
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juliana Velasco
- Unidad de Paciente Crítico, Clínica Hospital del Profesor, Santiago, Chile
- Programa de Formación de Especialista en Medicina de Urgencia, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Leandro J. Carreño
- Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan P. Torres
- Departamento de Pediatría y Cirugía Pediátrica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Manuel A. Benachi O.
- Área de Biotecnología, Tecnoacademia Neiva, Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje, Regional Huila, Neiva, Colombia
| | - Yenifer-Yadira Tovar-Rosero
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - Angel A. Oñate
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Miguel O'Ryan
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gao F, Beresford N, Lockyer K, Burkin K, Rigsby P, Bolgiano B. Saccharide dosage content of meningococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccines determined using WHO International Standards for serogroup A, C, W, Y and X polysaccharides. Biologicals 2021; 70:53-58. [PMID: 33518432 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Potency of meningococcal polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines relies on the polysaccharide content to prevent meningitis. NIBSC, as the official national control laboratory in UK, analysed ten different mono- and multi-meningococcal conjugate vaccines, using established International Standards for meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, Y and X, by resorcinol or HPAEC-PAD assay. Most saccharide contents were within ±20% of their claimed content for licensure with taking different O-acetylation levels into consideration, with only MenC content in two vaccines below (by 60% and 54%) the labelled value, however, previous study showed different dosage was not necessarily correlated to the immunogenicity of those vaccines. This study demonstrated the use of International Standards to quantify saccharide content in polysaccharide-based vaccines with different percentage of O-acetylation. These International Standards are suitable to serve as either quantitative standard or calibrator of in-house standards, with supplied stability data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Gao
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK.
| | - Nicola Beresford
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Kay Lockyer
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Karena Burkin
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Peter Rigsby
- Biostatistics, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Barbara Bolgiano
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Medhane M, Tunheim G, Naess LM, Mihret W, Bedru A, Norheim G, Petros B, Aseffa A, Rosenqvist E. Avidity of IgG antibodies against meningococcal serogroup a polysaccharide and correlations with bactericidal activity in sera from meningitis patients and controls from Ethiopia. Scand J Immunol 2014; 79:267-75. [PMID: 24383864 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Meningococcal meningitis is a significant global health challenge, especially for sub-Saharan area: the African meningitis belt. Neisseria meningitidis of serogroup A (MenA) is responsible for the large number of epidemics that have been recorded in these countries. To determine the level of antibodies against meningococcal A polysaccharide (APS) that correlates with protection against MenA disease in the African meningitis belt, it may be important to consider antibody avidity along with quantity. In this study, two ELISA methods using the chaotropic agent ammonium thiocyanate were compared and employed to measure avidity indexes (AI) of IgG antibodies against APS in controls and in acute and convalescent sera from Ethiopian meningococcal patients. High statistical correlations between the AIs determined by the two methods were observed. The geometric mean AI (GMAI) increased with time from acute to convalescent sera indicating affinity maturation. GMAI was significantly higher in convalescent sera from the MenA patients and in sera from the controls than in acute sera from patients with meningococcal disease. A significant correlation between serum bactericidal activity titres (SBA) and concentration of IgG antibodies against APS was observed; however, our results did not indicate that determination of antibody avidities by the thiocyanate elution method gave a better correlation with SBA than anti-APS IgG concentrations determined by the standard ELISA method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Medhane
- Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Andrews SM, Pollard AJ. A vaccine against serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis: dealing with uncertainty. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2014; 14:426-34. [PMID: 24679664 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(13)70341-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is an important cause of invasive bacterial infection in children worldwide. Although serogroup C meningococcal disease has all but disappeared in the past decade as a direct result of immunisation programmes in Europe, Canada, and Australia, meningitis and septicaemia caused by serogroup B meningococci remain uncontrolled. A vaccine (4CMenB) has now been licensed for use in the European Union, comprising three immunogenic antigens (identified with use of reverse vaccinology) combined with bacterial outer-membrane vesicles. The vaccine has the potential to reduce mortality and morbidity associated with serogroup B meningococci infections, but uncertainty remains about the breadth of protection the vaccine might induce against the diverse serogroup B meningococci strains that cause disease. We discuss drawbacks in the techniques used to estimate coverage and potential efficacy of the vaccine, and their effects on estimates of cost-effectiveness, both with and without herd immunity. For parents, and clinicians treating individual patients, the predicted benefits of vaccination outweigh existing uncertainties if any cases can be prevented, but future use of the vaccine must be followed by rigorous post-implementation surveillance to reassess its value to health systems with directly recorded epidemiological data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M Andrews
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Andrew J Pollard
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zahlanie YC, Hammadi MM, Ghanem ST, Dbaibo GS. Review of meningococcal vaccines with updates on immunization in adults. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2014; 10:995-1007. [PMID: 24500529 PMCID: PMC4896590 DOI: 10.4161/hv.27739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Revised: 12/31/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningococcal disease is a serious and global life-threatening disease. Six serogroups (A, B, C, W-135, X, and Y) account for the majority of meningococcal disease worldwide. Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccines were introduced several decades ago and have led to the decline in the burden of disease. However, polysaccharide vaccines have several limitations, including poor immunogenicity in infants and toddlers, short-lived protection, lack of immunologic memory, negligible impact on nasopharyngeal carriage, and presence of hyporesponsiveness after repeated doses. The chemical conjugation of plain polysaccharide vaccines has the potential to overcome these drawbacks. Meningococcal conjugate vaccines include the quadrivalent vaccines (MenACWY-DT, MenACWY-CRM, and MenACWY-TT) as well as the monovalent A and C vaccines. These conjugate vaccines were shown to elicit strong immune response in adults. This review addresses the various aspects of meningococcal disease, the limitations posed by polysaccharide vaccines, the different conjugate vaccines with their immunogenicity and reactogenicity in adults, and the current recommendations in adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yorgo C Zahlanie
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research; Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine; American University of Beirut Medical Center; Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Moza M Hammadi
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research; Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine; American University of Beirut Medical Center; Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Soha T Ghanem
- Department of Pediatrics; Makassed General Hospital; Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ghassan S Dbaibo
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research; Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine; American University of Beirut Medical Center; Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Borrow R, Findlow J. Prevention of meningococcal serogroup C disease by NeisVac-C™. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 8:265-79. [DOI: 10.1586/14760584.8.3.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
7
|
Borrow R, Miller E. Long-term protection in children with meningococcal C conjugate vaccination: lessons learned. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 5:851-7. [PMID: 17184222 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.5.6.851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Owing to an increase in group C disease, extensive prelicensure studies have been funded by both the UK Department of Health and vaccine manufacturers. These demonstrated the safety and immunogenicity of three candidate meningococcal group C conjugate (MCC) vaccines (two conjugated to CRM(197) and one to tetanus toxoid) in the targeted age groups. Induction of immunological memory in infants and young children was also demonstrated by either a low dose of polysaccharide challenge following primary immunization with MCC or by an increase in avidity indices post-primary to pre-challenge. Immune memory after infant immunization persisted to at least 4 years of age, although antibody persistence in this age group was poor. MCC vaccine was introduced into the UK routine immunization schedule at 2, 3 and 4 months of age in 1999, with a catch-up as a single dose to all children aged 1-18 years with two doses for infants aged 5-11 months. The number of group C cases fell rapidly in the targeted age groups and early analyzes showed high vaccine effectiveness in all age groups together with significant herd immunity. However, when effectiveness was measured again more than 1 year after vaccination, there was a significant decline in all age groups, most marked in infants vaccinated in the routine infant immunization program, for whom there was no demonstrable efficacy after only 1 year and then in toddlers for whom efficacy declined to 61% (95% confidence interval: -327-94) from 88% (95% confidence interval: 65-96) in the first year. However, good disease control was maintained in the UK with only low numbers of vaccine failures. The assumption that immune memory was predictive of long-term protection is incorrect, at least after vaccination in infancy. Persistence of antibody and herd immunity may be more relevant for long-term disease control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ray Borrow
- Vaccine Evaluation Unit, NW Regional HPA Laboratory, Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership, PO Box 209, Clinical Sciences Building, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, M13 9WZ, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gozdziewicz TK, Lugowski C, Lukasiewicz J. First evidence for a covalent linkage between enterobacterial common antigen and lipopolysaccharide in Shigella sonnei phase II ECALPS. J Biol Chem 2013; 289:2745-54. [PMID: 24324266 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.512749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterobacterial common antigen (ECA) is expressed by Gram-negative bacteria belonging to Enterobacteriaceae, including emerging drug-resistant pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus spp. Recent studies have indicated the importance of ECA for cell envelope integrity, flagellum expression, and resistance of enteric bacteria to acetic acid and bile salts. ECA, a heteropolysaccharide built from the trisaccharide repeating unit, →3)-α-D-Fucp4NAc-(1→4)-β-D-ManpNAcA-(1→4)-α-D-GlcpNAc-(1→, occurs as a cyclic form (ECA(CYC)), a phosphatidylglycerol (PG)-linked form (ECA(PG)), and an endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-associated form (ECA(LPS)). Since the discovery of ECA in 1962, the structures of ECA(PG) and ECA(CYC) have been completely elucidated. However, no direct evidence has been presented to support a covalent linkage between ECA and LPS; only serological indications of co-association have been reported. This is paradoxical, given that ECA was first identified based on the capacity of immunogenic ECA(LPS) to elicit antibodies cross-reactive with enterobacteria. Using a simple isolation protocol supported by serological tracking of ECA epitopes and NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, we have succeeded in the first detection, isolation, and complete structural analysis of poly- and oligosaccharides of Shigella sonnei phase II ECA(LPS). ECA(LPS) consists of the core oligosaccharide substituted with one to four repeating units of ECA at the position occupied by the O-antigen in the case of smooth S. sonnei phase I. These data represent the first structural evidence for the existence of ECA(LPS) in the half-century since it was first discovered and provide insights that could prove helpful in further structural analyses and screening of ECA(LPS) among Enterobacteriaceae species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz K Gozdziewicz
- From the Department of Immunochemistry, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, R. Weigla 12, PL-53-114 Wroclaw, Poland and
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
McCarthy CL, Tuohy O, Compston DAS, Kumararatne DS, Coles AJ, Jones JL. Immune competence after alemtuzumab treatment of multiple sclerosis. Neurology 2013; 81:872-6. [PMID: 23925762 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e3182a35215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the immunocompetency of patients with multiple sclerosis treated with the lymphodepleting humanized monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab. METHODS In this pilot case-control study, we assessed immunocompetence in 24 patients after alemtuzumab treatment by measuring antibody responses to 3 vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, and poliomyelitis vaccine, Haemophilus influenzae type b and meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine, and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine). In 20 patients, antibodies to common viruses (mumps, rubella, varicella-zoster, and Epstein-Barr virus) were measured before alemtuzumab treatment, then at 1 and 9-11 months after treatment. Results were compared with well-defined historical controls. RESULTS Serum antibodies against common viruses remained detectable after treatment, and vaccine responses were normal to T-cell-dependent recall antigens (tetanus, diphtheria, and polio), a T-cell-dependent novel antigen (meningococcus C), and T-cell-independent antigens (pneumococcal). There was no evidence for a diminished response to vaccinations in 5 patients studied within 6 months of alemtuzumab treatment. CONCLUSION In this small historically controlled pilot study, we demonstrated i) retained humoral immunologic memory (in the form of antibodies against common viruses and response to recall antigens), and ii) the retained ability to mount a humoral immune response against a novel antigen after treatment with alemtuzumab. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This pilot study provides Class III evidence that patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis appear immunocompetent after treatment with alemtuzumab.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire L McCarthy
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Maiden MCJ. The impact of protein-conjugate polysaccharide vaccines: an endgame for meningitis? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2013; 368:20120147. [PMID: 23798695 PMCID: PMC3720045 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2012.0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The development and implementation of conjugate polysaccharide vaccines against invasive bacterial diseases, specifically those caused by the encapsulated bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae, has been one of the most effective public health innovations of the last 25 years. These vaccines have resulted in significant reductions in childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide, with their effectiveness due in large part to their ability to induce long-lasting immunity in a range of age groups. At the population level this immunity reduces carriage and interrupts transmission resulting in herd immunity; however, these beneficial effects can be counterbalanced by the selection pressures that immunity against carriage can impose, potentially promoting the emergence and spread of virulent vaccine escape variants. Studies following the implementation of meningococcal serogroup C vaccines improved our understanding of these effects in relation to the biology of accidental pathogens such as the meningococcus. This understanding has enabled the refinement of the implementation of conjugate polysaccharide vaccines against meningitis-associated bacteria, and will be crucial in maintaining and improving vaccine control of these infections. To date there is little evidence for the spread of virulent vaccine escape variants of the meningococcus and H. influenzae, although this has been reported in pneumococci.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin C J Maiden
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Warshawsky TSWPBDB. UPDATE ON THE USE OF QUADRIVALENT CONJUGATE MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINES: An Advisory Committee Statement (ACS) National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). CANADA COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REPORT = RELEVE DES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES AU CANADA 2013; 39:1-40. [PMID: 31697281 PMCID: PMC6802440 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v39i00a01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
12
|
|
13
|
Vesikari T, Forstén A, Boutriau D, Bianco V, Van der Wielen M, Miller JM. A randomized study to assess the immunogenicity, antibody persistence and safety of a tetravalent meningococcal serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine in children aged 2-10 years. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2012; 8:1882-91. [PMID: 23032168 PMCID: PMC3656081 DOI: 10.4161/hv.22165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Incidence of meningococcal diseases is high in children, and effective vaccines are needed for this age group. In this phase II, open, controlled study, 309 children aged 2–10 y from Finland were randomized (3:1) into two parallel groups to receive one dose of meningococcal ACWY-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (ACWY-TT group; n = 231) or a licensed meningococcal ACWY polysaccharide vaccine (Men-PS group; n = 78). Serum bactericidal activity using rabbit complement (rSBA) was evaluated up to three years post-vaccination. Exploratory comparisons suggested that rSBA vaccine response rates and geometric mean titers (GMTs) for each serogroup at one month post-vaccination and rSBA GMTs for serogroups A, W-135 and Y up to three years post-vaccination were higher in the ACWY-TT compared with Men-PS group, but did not detect any difference between groups in terms of rSBA-MenC GMTs at three years post-vaccination; this is explained by the higher proportion of children from the Men-PS group who were excluded because they were re-vaccinated with a monovalent meningococcal serogroup C vaccine due to loss of protective antibody levels against this serogroup. Although there was a higher incidence of local reactogenicity in the ACWY-TT group, general and unsolicited symptoms reporting rates were comparable in both groups. This study showed that MenACWY-TT was immunogenic with a clinically acceptable safety profile in children aged 2–10 y. MenACWY-TT induced higher functional antibody titers for all serogroups, which persisted longer for serogroups A, W-135 and Y, than the MenACWY polysaccharide vaccine. This study has been registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00427908.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timo Vesikari
- Vaccine Research Center; University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
|
15
|
Hill M, Deghmane AE, Segovia M, Zarantonelli ML, Tilly G, Blancou P, Bériou G, Josien R, Anegon I, Hong E, Ruckly C, Antignac A, El Ghachi M, Boneca IG, Taha MK, Cuturi MC. Penicillin binding proteins as danger signals: meningococcal penicillin binding protein 2 activates dendritic cells through Toll-like receptor 4. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23995. [PMID: 22046231 PMCID: PMC3203111 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is a human pathogen responsible for life-threatening inflammatory diseases. Meningococcal penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and particularly PBP2 are involved in bacterial resistance to β-lactams. Here we describe a novel function for PBP2 that activates human and mouse dendritic cells (DC) in a time and dose-dependent manner. PBP2 induces MHC II (LOGEC50 = 4.7 µg/ml±0.1), CD80 (LOGEC50 = 4.88 µg/ml±0.15) and CD86 (LOGEC50 = 5.36 µg/ml±0.1). This effect was abolished when DCs were co-treated with anti-PBP2 antibodies. PBP2-treated DCs displayed enhanced immunogenic properties in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, proteins co-purified with PBP2 showed no effect on DC maturation. We show through different in vivo and in vitro approaches that this effect is not due to endotoxin contamination. At the mechanistic level, PBP2 induces nuclear localization of p65 NF-kB of 70.7±5.1% cells versus 12±2.6% in untreated DCs and needs TLR4 expression to mature DCs. Immunoprecipitation and blocking experiments showed that PBP2 binds TLR4. In conclusion, we describe a novel function of meningococcal PBP2 as a pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMP) at the host-pathogen interface that could be recognized by the immune system as a danger signal, promoting the development of immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Hill
- INSERM U643, Nantes, CHU de Nantes, IUN, Nantes, Université de Nantes, UMR 643, Nantes, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Meerveld-Eggink A, de Weerdt O, de Voer RM, Berbers GAM, van Velzen-Blad H, Vlaminckx BJ, Biesma DH, Rijkers GT. Impaired antibody response to conjugated meningococcal serogroup C vaccine in asplenic patients. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2010; 30:611-8. [PMID: 21184126 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-010-1129-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2010] [Accepted: 12/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the quantity and quality of antibodies against the meningococcal serogroup C (MenC) conjugated vaccine in asplenic patients. In 116 asplenic patients, antibody concentrations (IgG) were measured against meningococcal serogroup C before and after immunisation. Of MenC-specific IgG, both antibody avidity and subclasses of IgG1 and IgG2 were determined. The mean MenC IgG concentration rose from 0.16 μg/mL prior to vaccination to 3.69 μg/mL 3 weeks post-vaccination, with 67% of patients reaching the threshold of ≥ 2.0 μg/mL. The mean IgG concentration at 35 weeks post-vaccination was 3.10 μg/mL. IgG2 concentrations increased more than IgG1. Marginal avidity maturation was seen. Hypo-responders to the first MenC vaccine (IgG anti-MenC ≤ 2.0 μg/mL) were offered a booster dose. After revaccination, 59% reached the chosen IgG threshold. The IgG concentration rose from 0.29 to 1.12 μg/mL, with an increase in the IgG1/IgG2 ratio. Avidity indices remained below 33%. In asplenic patients, the quantity and quality of antibodies produced after one dose of conjugated MenC vaccination is lower than that observed in previous studies in healthy adults. Booster vaccination does, indeed, lead to a rise in IgG geometric mean concentrations (GMCs), but does not lead to higher avidity of antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Meerveld-Eggink
- Department of Internal Medicine, St Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein, PO Box 2500, 3430 EM, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
de Voer RM, van der Klis FR, Engels CW, Schepp RM, van de Kassteele J, Sanders EA, Rijkers GT, Berbers GA. Kinetics of antibody responses after primary immunization with meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccine or secondary immunization with either conjugate or polysaccharide vaccine in adults. Vaccine 2009; 27:6974-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.09.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2009] [Revised: 09/04/2009] [Accepted: 09/20/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
18
|
Joshi VS, Bajaj IB, Survase SA, Singhal RS, Kennedy JF. Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccines: A review. Carbohydr Polym 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2008.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
19
|
Brynjolfsson SF, Bjarnarson SP, Mori E, Del Giudice G, Jonsdottir I. Neonatal immune response and serum bactericidal activity induced by a meningococcal conjugate vaccine is enhanced by LT-K63 and CpG2006. Vaccine 2008; 26:4557-62. [PMID: 18597905 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.05.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2008] [Revised: 05/13/2008] [Accepted: 05/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neonates have a poorly developed immune system. Therefore it is important to develop vaccination strategies that induce protective immunity and immunological memory against pathogens early in life. The immunogenicity of a meningococcal serogroup C polysaccharide conjugate (MenC-CRM(197)) was assessed in neonatal mice, and effects of LT-K63 and CpG2006 and immunisation routes were compared. Neonatal mice were primed subcutaneously (s.c.) or intranasally (i.n.) with MenC-CRM(197) with or without LT-K63 or CpG2006 and re-immunised 16 and 30 days later by the same route and formulation. Antibody levels were measured and generation of immunological memory assessed by affinity maturation and kinetics of the Ab response. Serum bactericidal activity (SBA) was measured to evaluate protective efficacy. The second and third dose of MenC-CRM(197) mixed with either LT-K63 or CpG2006 induced a rapid increase in MenC-specific IgG antibodies, to levels higher than elicited by MenC-CRM(197) alone (P<0.01) and in unimmunised mice (P<0.001), indicating efficient generation of memory by priming through both s.c. and i.n. routes. SBA was detected after three s.c. immunisations with MenC-CRM(197) s.c. alone. However, only two doses of MenC-CRM(197)+LT-K63 or MenC-CRM(197)+CpG2006 were needed to induce SBA levels>16. LT-K63 and CpG2006 enhanced neonatal antibody responses, affinity maturation, immunological memory to the conjugate MenC-CRM(197) and protective immunity. These results encourage the development of neonatal vaccination strategies to induce protective immunity and immunological memory against meningococcal disease.
Collapse
|
20
|
Fusco PC, Farley EK, Huang CH, Moore S, Michon F. Protective meningococcal capsular polysaccharide epitopes and the role of O acetylation. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2007; 14:577-84. [PMID: 17376859 PMCID: PMC1865638 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00009-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2007] [Revised: 01/30/2007] [Accepted: 02/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies with group C meningococcal polysaccharide-tetanus toxoid (GCMP-TT) conjugates had suggested that the GCMP O-acetyl group masked the protective epitope for group C meningococci through steric hindrance or altered conformations. For this report, we confirmed this phenomenon and performed comparative studies with group Y meningococcal polysaccharide (GYMP)-TT to determine whether it might extend to other serogroups. The de-O-acetylated (dOA) polysaccharides (PSs) resulted in higher serum bactericidal activities (SBA) towards the O-acetylated (OA) meningococcal strains from the respective serogroups. High-resolution H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 500 MHz and competitive inhibition serum bactericidal assays were used to characterize the nature of the protective epitope. In head-to-head comparisons with OA PSs as SBA inhibitors, the dOA PSs provided 10 to 1,000 times better inhibition for GCMP in human and mouse antisera and 6 to 13 times better inhibition for GYMP in mouse antisera, using OA strains in all assays. In addition, the SBA for OA strains was highly correlated with dOA PS-specific immunoglobulin G (r=0.72 to 0.98) for both GCMP and GYMP. The results suggest that there may be a generalized role for the O-acetyl group to provide an epitope of misdirected immunogenicity for meningococcal PS capsules, enabling escape from immune surveillance. In addition to greater chemical consistency, the dOA forms of GCMP and GYMP conjugate vaccines endow greater immunologic competence to the PSs, rendering them capable of eliciting higher levels of functional antibodies toward the protective epitopes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Fusco
- BioVeris Corporation, 16020 Industrial Dr., Gaithersburg, MD 20877, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Harris SL, Tsao H, Ashton L, Goldblatt D, Fernsten P. Avidity of the immunoglobulin G response to a Neisseria meningitidis group C polysaccharide conjugate vaccine as measured by inhibition and chaotropic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2007; 14:397-403. [PMID: 17287312 PMCID: PMC1865604 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00241-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Antibody avidity, the strength of the multivalent interaction between antibodies and their antigens, is an important characteristic of protective immune responses. We have developed an inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure antibody avidity for the capsular polysaccharide (PS) of Neisseria meningitidis group C (MnC) and determined the avidity constants (K(D)s) for 100 sera from children immunized with an MnC PS conjugate vaccine. The avidity constants were compared to the avidity indices (AI) obtained for the same sera using a chaotropic ELISA protocol. After the primary immunization series, the geometric mean (GM) K(D) was 674 nM and did not change in the months following immunization. However, the GM avidity did increase after the booster dose (GM K(D), 414 nM 1 month after booster immunization). In contrast, the GM AI increased from an initial value of 118 after the primary immunization series to 147 6 months after the completion of the primary immunization series and then further increased to 178 after booster immunization. At the individual subject level, the avidity constant and AI correlated after the primary immunization series and after booster immunization but not prior to boosting. This work suggests that the AI, as measured by the chaotropic ELISA, in contrast to the K(D), reflects changes that render antibody populations less susceptible to disruption by chaotropic agents without directly affecting the strength of the binding interactions.
Collapse
|
22
|
Zonneveld-Huijssoon E, Ronaghy A, Van Rossum MAJ, Rijkers GT, van der Klis FRM, Sanders EAM, Vermeer-De Bondt PE, Hoes AW, van der Net JJ, Engels C, Kuis W, Prakken BJ, Van Tol MJD, Wulffraat NM. Safety and efficacy of meningococcal c vaccination in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 56:639-46. [PMID: 17265499 DOI: 10.1002/art.22399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether vaccinations aggravate the course of autoimmune diseases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and whether the immune response to vaccinations may be hampered by immunosuppressive therapy for the underlying disease. METHODS In this multicenter cohort study, 234 patients with JIA (ages 1-19 years) were vaccinated with meningococcal serogroup C (MenC) conjugate to protect against serogroup C disease (caused by Neisseria meningitidis). Patients were followed up for disease activity for 1 year, from 6 months before until 6 months after vaccination. IgG antibody titers against MenC polysaccharide and the tetanus carrier protein were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and toxin binding inhibition assay, respectively. A serum bactericidal assay was performed to determine the function of the anti-MenC antibodies. RESULTS No change in values for any of the 6 components of the core set criteria for juvenile arthritis disease activity was seen after MenC vaccination. Moreover, no increase in the frequency of disease relapse was detected. Mean anti-MenC IgG concentrations in JIA patients rose significantly within 6-12 weeks after vaccination. Of 157 patients tested, 153 were able to mount anti-MenC IgG serum levels >2 micro g/ml, including patients receiving highly immunosuppressive medication. The 4 patients with a lower anti-MenC antibody response displayed sufficient bactericidal activity despite receiving highly immunosuppressive medication. CONCLUSION The MenC conjugate vaccine does not aggravate JIA disease activity or increase relapse frequency and results in adequate antibody levels, even in patients receiving highly immunosuppressive medication. Therefore, patients with JIA can be vaccinated safely and effectively with the MenC conjugate.
Collapse
|
23
|
Hofman T, Cranswick N, Kuna P, Boznanski A, Latos T, Gold M, Murrell DF, Gebauer K, Behre U, Machura E, Olafsson J, Szalai Z. Tacrolimus ointment does not affect the immediate response to vaccination, the generation of immune memory, or humoral and cell-mediated immunity in children. Arch Dis Child 2006; 91:905-10. [PMID: 16798785 PMCID: PMC2082951 DOI: 10.1136/adc.2006.094276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concern exists that the prolonged application of immunomodulators to treat atopic dermatitis may cause systemic immunosuppression. AIMS In a 7-month, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial, we investigated the equivalence of response to vaccination against meningococcal serogroup C disease with a protein-conjugate vaccine in children (2-11 years) with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, by applying either 0.03% tacrolimus ointment (TAC-O; n = 121[corrected]) or a hydrocortisone ointment regimen (HC-O; n = 111). METHODS TAC-O was applied twice daily (bid) for 3 weeks, and thereafter daily until clearance. 1% hydrocortisone acetate (HA) for head/neck and 0.1% hydrocortisone butyrate ointment for trunk/limbs was applied bid for 2 weeks; thereafter HA was applied bid to all affected areas. At week 1, patients were vaccinated with protein-conjugate vaccine against meningococcal serogroup C, and challenged at month 6 with low dose meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine. The control group (44 non-atopic dermatitis children) received the primary vaccination and challenge dose. Assessments were made at baseline, weeks 1 and 5, and months 6 and 7. The primary end point was the percentage of patients with a serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) titre > or = 8 at the week 5 visit. RESULTS The response rate (patients with SBA titre > or = 8) was 97.5% (confidence interval (CI) approximately 97.3 to 100), 99.1% (94.8 to 100) and 97.7% (93.3 to 100) in the TAC-O, HC-O and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The immune response to vaccination against meningococcal serogroup C in children with atopic dermatitis applying either 0.03% TAC-O or HC is equivalent. Ointment application does not affect the immediate response to vaccination, generation of immune memory or humoral and cell-mediated immunity.
Collapse
|
24
|
Pichichero M, Papa T, Blatter M, Mitchell D, Kratz R, Sneed J, Bassily E, Casey J, Gilmet G. Immune memory in children previously vaccinated with an experimental quadrivalent meningococcal polysaccharide diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2006; 25:995-1000. [PMID: 17072120 DOI: 10.1097/01.inf.0000243215.46312.4a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a previous study, a meningococcal diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine (MCV-4) triggered robust bactericidal antibody responses against serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135 in 2- to 10-year-old children. A subset of participants, 2 to 3 years of age at the initial vaccination, was evaluated for persistence of antibody, immune memory, and antibody avidity. METHODS Participants were healthy children vaccinated 23 to 36 months earlier with MCV-4 (primed) or newly recruited meningococcal vaccine-naive 4-year-olds. Participants in both groups were alternately allocated to provide sera 8 or 28 days after administration of one tenth of the recommended dose of a meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PSV-4). Immune responses were assessed in sera obtained at baseline and either 8 or 28 days after reduced-dose PSV-4 administration. Safety was monitored. RESULTS Before PSV-4 challenge, serum bactericidal antibody geometric mean titers (SBA GMTs) were higher for all 4 serogroups in the MCV-4-primed group than in the vaccine-naive group. SBA GMTs, geometric mean concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and geometric mean avidity indices for all 4 serogroups were significantly higher among MCV-4-primed versus vaccine-naive participants in the cohorts evaluated at 8 or 28 days after PSV-4 challenge. Adverse events were generally mild, self-limited, and comparable in all groups of children. CONCLUSIONS Persistence of bactericidal antibody was seen for 23 to 36 months after a primary dose of MCV-4 in young children. Booster responses and avidity maturation were evident after a challenge with reduced-dose polysaccharide vaccine.
Collapse
|
25
|
Vu DM, de Boer AW, Danzig L, Santos G, Canty B, Flores BM, Granoff DM. Priming for immunologic memory in adults by meningococcal group C conjugate vaccination. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2006; 13:605-10. [PMID: 16760316 PMCID: PMC1489557 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00123-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Meningococcal group C polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines (MCV) prime infants and children for memory anticapsular responses upon subsequent exposure to unconjugated polysaccharide. The objective of this study was to determine whether MCV primes vaccine-naïve adults and adults previously vaccinated with meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV) for memory antibody responses. Meningococcal vaccine-naïve adults were randomized to receive either MCV (MCV/naïve group) (n = 35) or pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) (PCV/naïve group) (n = 34). Participants with a history of receiving MPSV were given MCV (MCV/MPSV group) (n = 26). All subjects were challenged 10 months later with one-fifth of the usual dose of MPSV (10 mug of each polysaccharide). Sera were obtained before the conjugate vaccination and before and 7 days after the MPSV challenge and assayed for immunoglobulin G (IgG) anticapsular antibody concentrations and bactericidal titers. The MCV/naïve group had 7- to 10-fold-higher serum IgG and bactericidal responses after the MPSV challenge than the PCV/naïve group (P < 0.001). The increases (n-fold) in anticapsular antibody concentrations in the MCV/naïve group were greatest in subjects with antibody concentrations of <or=2 microg/ml before the challenge (geometric mean increase [n-fold] of 8.3 versus 1.1 in subjects with concentrations of >2 microg/ml before the challenge; P < 0.0001). Only 3 of 11 MCV-vaccinated subjects who had received MPSV before enrollment and who had antibody concentrations of <or=2 microg/ml before the polysaccharide challenge showed more-than-twofold increases in anticapsular antibody concentration or bactericidal titer after the challenge. MCV vaccination of meningococcal vaccine-naïve adults primes for robust memory antibody responses. There was no evidence of induction of memory by MCV in adults previously vaccinated with MPSV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David M Vu
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
De Wals P. Immunization strategies for the control of serogroup C meningococcal disease in developed countries. Expert Rev Vaccines 2006; 5:269-75. [PMID: 16608426 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.5.2.269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In developed countries, the epidemiology of serogroup C meningococcal disease is characterized by unpredictable outbreaks and a bimodal distribution of cases, with the highest incidence rate among those below 1 year of age and a second peak in teenagers. Serogroup C meningococcal conjugate vaccines elicit a thymus-dependent immunological response that is already present in young infants and is characterized by the production of protective antibodies and the development of memory. Results from immunogenicity and effectiveness studies indicate that waning of immunity occurs over time, and the protection conferred by vaccination before 1 year of age seems to be shortlived. Very different control strategies have been implemented throughout the world and existing vaccination schedules may not be optimal. A schedule consisting of a first dose around 1 year of age and a second dose around 12 years of age seems to be a very cost-effective option in most epidemiological scenarios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe De Wals
- Laval University, and Quebec National Public Health Institute, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Pavillon de l'Est, 2180 chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec G1K 7P4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Pérez AE, Dickinson FO, Banderas F, Serrano T, Llanes R, Guzmán D, Díaz P, Alvarez A, Guirola M, Caballero E, Canaan-Haden L, Guillén G. Safety and preliminary immunogenicity of MenC/P64k, a meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccine with a new recombinant carrier. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 46:386-92. [PMID: 16553812 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2006.00047.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study reports the preliminary assessment of the safety and immunogenicity of the first serogroup C conjugate vaccine candidate that includes meningococcal P64k recombinant protein as the carrier (MenC/P64k). Twenty volunteers were recruited for a double-blind, randomized, controlled phase I clinical trial, receiving a single dose of MenC/P64k (study group) and a single dose of the commercial polysaccharide vaccine AC (control group). Only mild reactions were observed. No statistical differences were detected between the antipolysaccharide C IgG responses of both groups as well as between bactericidal serum titre (P > 0.05). The MenC/P64k vaccine was found to have a good safety profile, to be well tolerated and immunogenic.
Collapse
|
28
|
Guirola M, Urquiza D, Alvarez A, Cannan-Haden L, Caballero E, Guillén G. Immunologic memory response induced by a meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccine using the P64k recombinant protein as carrier. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 46:169-79. [PMID: 16487298 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2005.00025.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we used an adoptive lymphocyte transfer experiment to evaluate the ability of the P64k recombinant protein to recruit T-helper activity and induce immunologic memory response to the polysaccharide moiety in a meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccine. Adoptive transfer of splenocytes from mice immunized with the glycoconjugate conferred antipolysaccharide immunologic memory to naive recipient mice. The observed anamnestic immune response was characterized by more rapid kinetics, isotype switching from IgM to IgG and higher antipolysaccharide antibody titers compared with those reached in groups transferred with splenocytes from plain polysaccharide or phosphate-immunized mice. The memory response generated was also long lasting. Sera from mice transferred with cells from conjugate-immunized mice were the only protective in the infant rat passive protection assay, and also showed higher bactericidal titers. We demonstrated that priming the mice immune system with the glycoconjugate using the P64k protein as carrier induced a memory response to the polysaccharide, promoting a switch of the T-cell-independent response to a T-cell dependent one.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Guirola
- Vaccines Division, Centro de Ingenieria Genetica y Biotechnologia, Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Goldblatt D, Southern J, Ashton L, Richmond P, Burbidge P, Tasevska J, Crowley-Luke A, Andrews N, Morris R, Borrow R, Cartwright K, Miller E. Immunogenicity and boosting after a reduced number of doses of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in infants and toddlers. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2006; 25:312-9. [PMID: 16567982 DOI: 10.1097/01.inf.0000207483.60267.e7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The minimum number of doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine required for protection is not known. We studied the immunogenicity of a reduced schedule in infants and toddlers. METHODS U.K. infants were given either 2 or 3 doses (at 2 and 4 or 2/3/4 months of age) of a 9-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (9VPCV) followed by boosting at 12 months of age. In a separate study, toddlers (12 months) received 1 or 2 doses (2 months apart) of 9VPCV followed by pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine at 18 months of age. RESULTS For infants, serotype-specific IgG geometric mean concentrations were similar post-primary immunization between the groups with both showing avidity maturation and similar booster responses. For toddlers, the primary response to 4 of the 9 serotypes was lower in the 1- compared with the 2-dose group (type 6B, 0.77 versus 7.1; type 14, 4.67 versus 14.98; type 19F, 5.05 versus 7.75; type 23F, 2.48 versus 5.05), although for all serotypes booster responses were similar between groups, and the postprimary responses in the 1-dose group were at least as high as those after infant immunization. CONCLUSIONS The 2-dose infant priming schedule of 9VPCV is comparable with the 3-dose schedule and may thus be equally protective, whereas 1 dose in toddlers may suffice for a catch-up.
Collapse
|
30
|
|
31
|
Southern J, Deane S, Ashton L, Borrow R, Goldblatt D, Andrews N, Balmer P, Morris R, Kroll JS, Miller E. Effects of prior polysaccharide vaccination on magnitude, duration, and quality of immune responses to and safety profile of a meningococcal serogroup C tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccination in adults. CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 11:1100-4. [PMID: 15539513 PMCID: PMC524764 DOI: 10.1128/cdli.11.6.1100-1104.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Extensive use of meningococcal AC polysaccharide (MACP) vaccines has raised concerns about induction of immunologic hyporesponsiveness to C polysaccharide. We investigated the immunogenicity and safety of a meningococcal C-tetanus conjugate (MCC-TT) vaccine in naive adults and prior MACP vaccinees. Laboratory staff (n = 113) were recruited; 73 were naive to meningococcal vaccination, and 40 had previously received > or =1 dose of MACP vaccine. Blood was taken prior to MCC-TT vaccination and 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months later. At each time point, proportions of subjects with serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) titers of > or =8 or > or =128 were similar (P > 0.46); >94% of subjects achieved titers of > or =128 at 1 month. However, the geometric mean titer (GMT) of SBA at 1 month was higher in the naive (1,757; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1,102 to 2,803) than in the previously vaccinated (662; 95% CI, 363 to 1,207) group (P = 0.02), and similarly at 6 months (P < 0.001). Conversely, geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) of serogroup C-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) were significantly higher in the previously vaccinated group pre-MCC-TT and at 1 week; the groups were similar at 1 month, and there was some evidence that the GMC for the previously vaccinated group was higher at 6 months. Qualitative differences in antibodies between groups were demonstrated by using the SBA/IgG ratio, though avidity measures were similar for the two groups throughout the study. MCC-TT was well tolerated, with similar safety profiles in the two groups. Pain in the arm and headache were the most frequently reported events following vaccination. The study shows that MCC-TT is safe and immunogenic in naive and previously MACP-vaccinated adults, though the magnitude and persistence of postvaccination SBA responses in the latter group were lower.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jo Southern
- Immunisation Department, Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, Health Protection Agency, 61 Colindale Ave., Colindale, London, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
It is now 5 years since the UK became the first country to introduce the serogroup C meningococcal polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines (MenC) into its routine immunisation schedule. This article reviews the global use of MenC with particular reference to the range of immunisation strategies used internationally. To date, concerns that MenC may result in an increase in meningococcal disease due to non-C serogroups have not been realised. The vaccine has proved to be highly safe and effective; however, concerns have arisen regarding the duration of vaccine effectiveness. Although booster doses of MenC may potentially extend the duration of protection offered by the vaccine, there are, as yet, no studies assessing this option. Clinical trials are underway to assess new combination conjugate vaccines (containing A, C, Y, and W polysaccharides), and it is probable that these more broadly protective vaccines will become available in the near future.
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
Meningococcal disease is one of the most feared and serious infections in the young and its prevention by vaccination is an important goal. The high degree of antigenic variability of the organism makes the meningococcus a challenging target for vaccine prevention. Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccines against serogroup A and C are efficacious and have been widely used, often in combination with serogroup Y and W135 components. Their relative lack of immunogenicity in young children and infants can be overcome by conjugation to a protein carrier. The effectiveness of serogroup C glycoconjugate vaccines in children of all ages has been demonstrated and they have now been introduced into routine vaccination schedules. Conjugate vaccines against other serogroups, including A, Y, and W135 will soon be available and it is hoped they may emulate this success. Prevention of serogroup B disease has proven more elusive. Several serogroup B vaccines based on outer membrane vesicles have been shown to be immunogenic and reasonably effective in adults and older children, but the protection offered by them is chiefly strain-specific. Multivalent recombinant PorA vaccines have been developed to broaden the protective effect, but no efficacy data are available as yet. Intensive efforts have been directed at other outer membrane protein vaccine candidates and lipopolysaccharide, and some of these have been shown to offer protection in experimental animal models. Nonpathogenic Neisseriae spp. such as Neisseria lactamica are also possible vaccine candidates. Previously unknown proteins have been identified from in silico analysis of the meningococcal genome and their vaccine potential explored. However, none of these has yet been presented as the 'universal' protective antigen and work in this field continues to be held back by our limited knowledge concerning the mechanisms of natural protection against serogroup B meningococci.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jens U Rüggeberg
- Department of Child Health and Vaccine Institute, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Gudlavalleti SK, Datta AK, Tzeng YL, Noble C, Carlson RW, Stephens DS. The Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A capsular polysaccharide O-3 and O-4 acetyltransferase. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:42765-73. [PMID: 15294916 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m313552200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is composed of a homopolymer of O-acetylated, alpha1-->6-linked ManNAc 1-phosphate that is distinct from the capsule structures of the other meningococcal disease-causing serogroups, B, C, Y, and W-135. The serogroup A capsule biosynthetic genetic cassette consists of four open reading frames, mynA-D (sacA-D), that are specific to serogroup A, but the functions of these genes have not been well characterized. mynC was found to encode an inner membrane-associated acetyltransferase that is responsible for the O-acetylation of the CPS of serogroup A. The wild-type CPS as revealed by 1H NMR had 60-70% O-acetylated ManNAc residues that contained acetyl groups at O-3, with some species acetylated at O-4 and at both O-3 and O-4. A non-polar mynC mutant generated by introducing an aphA-3 kanamycin resistance cassette produced CPS with no O-acetylation. A serogroup A capsule-specific monoclonal antibody was shown to recognize the wild-type O-acetylated CPS, but not the CPS of the mynC mutant, which lacked O-acetylation. MynC was C-terminally His-tagged and overexpressed in Escherichia coli to obtain the predicted approximately 26-kDa protein. The acetyltransferase activity of purified MynC was demonstrated in vitro using [14C]acetyl-CoA. MynC O-acetylated the O-acetylated CPS of the mynC mutant and further acetylated the wild-type CPS of serogroup A meningococci, but not the CPS of serogroup B or C meningococci. Genetic complementation of the mynC mutant confirmed the function of MynC as the serogroup A CPS O-3 and O-4 acetyltransferase. MynC represents a new subclass of O-acetyltransferases that utilize acetyl-CoA to decorate the D-mannosamine capsule of N. meningitidis serogroup A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seshu K Gudlavalleti
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Balmer P, Falconer M, McDonald P, Andrews N, Fuller E, Riley C, Kaczmarski E, Borrow R. Immune response to meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccine in asplenic individuals. Infect Immun 2004; 72:332-7. [PMID: 14688112 PMCID: PMC343978 DOI: 10.1128/iai.72.1.332-337.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Asplenic individuals are known to be at increased risk of infection with encapsulated bacteria. Recent United Kingdom recommendations stated that this at-risk group should receive one dose of the meningococcal serogroup C conjugate (MCC) vaccine. However, the immune response of asplenic individuals to MCC vaccine is unknown. The immune response of asplenics (n = 130) to immunization with the MCC vaccine was investigated. Asplenic individuals had a significantly lower geometric mean titer (GMT) (157.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 94.5 to 263.3) of bactericidal antibody in serum (SBA) than an age-matched control group (n = 48) (1448.2; 95% CI, 751.1 to 2792.0). However, 80% of asplenic individuals achieved the proposed protective SBA titer of > or =8. No differences were observed between the two groups in the serogroup C-specific immunoglobulin G geometric mean concentration. A significant reduction in SBA GMT or the number of responders achieving an SBA titer of > or =8 was observed if the reason for splenectomy was a medical cause or if MCC vaccination occurred <10 years after splenectomy. Individuals (n = 29) who did not achieve an SBA titer of > or =16 were offered a second dose of MCC vaccine. Analysis of the SBA response revealed that 61% (14 of 23) of the individuals who received a second dose achieved a protective titer. In total, 93% of asplenic individuals achieved a titer of > or =8 following MCC vaccination (one or two doses combined). We recommend that, following vaccination of asplenics, either the level of functional antibody should be determined, with a second dose of MCC vaccine offered to nonresponders, or two doses of MCC vaccine should be routinely offered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Balmer
- Manchester Laboratory, Health Protection Agency North West, Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership, Manchester M13 9WZ, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Jódar L, Griffiths E, Feavers I. Scientific challenges for the quality control and production of group C meningococcal conjugate vaccines. Vaccine 2004; 22:1047-53. [PMID: 15161082 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2003.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2002] [Accepted: 08/11/2003] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Recommendations (formerly known as requirements) for meningococcal polysaccharide vaccines were adopted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Expert Committee on Biological Standardisation in 1976 and amended in 1978 and 1981. In clinical studies, these vaccines have been shown to have efficacy of at least 90% and have proved to be highly effective in vaccination programmes. Nevertheless, their inability to elicit protective responses in young infants or to induce good immunological memory has prevented their implementation in national infant immunisation schedules. Following the successful introduction of the Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate (Hib) vaccines, considerable progress has been made in the development of similar conjugate vaccines based on meningococcal group C capsular polysaccharide. Controlled clinical trials have demonstrated that they induce protective levels of antibodies to group C polysaccharide in all age groups and, as T-cell dependent antigens, induce immunological memory and affinity maturation of anti-capsular antibodies. Such vaccines have been shown to offer protective immunity following the introduction of group C conjugates in the UK. The World Health Organisation has produced recommendations for the production and control of these new vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Jódar
- World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Borrow R, Goldblatt D, Finn A, Southern J, Ashton L, Andrews N, Lal G, Riley C, Rahim R, Cartwright K, Allan G, Miller E. Immunogenicity of, and immunologic memory to, a reduced primary schedule of meningococcal C-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine in infants in the United kingdom. Infect Immun 2003; 71:5549-55. [PMID: 14500473 PMCID: PMC201087 DOI: 10.1128/iai.71.10.5549-5555.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been previously shown that one of the three meningococcal C conjugate (MCC) vaccines introduced in the United Kingdom proved highly immunogenic after the first dose of a three-dose schedule, with evidence of immune memory after dose 3. Thus, in infants a one- or two-dose schedule of this MCC vaccine, conjugated to tetanus toxoid (TT), may suffice. Healthy infants (n = 586) were randomized to receive either one (group 1), two (group 2), or three (group 3) doses of MCC-TT vaccine with a 10- micro g polysaccharide booster given at 13 to 14 months of age. Serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) levels were measured by utilizing rabbit complement (rSBA), meningococcal C-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), and avidity indices (AIs). For groups 1, 2, and 3, the percentages of infants with an rSBA level of > or =8 against strain C11 were 98.4, 100, and 99.4%, respectively. Infants in group 1 with prevaccination rSBA titers of > or =8 had post-primary MCC rSBA geometric mean titers (GMTs) significantly lower than those infants with prevaccination rSBA titers of <8. One dose of MCC-TT vaccine given to infants at 2 months of age yielded significantly lower SBA GMTs and geometric mean AIs (GMAIs) than two or three doses but elicited a significantly greater response after boosting, as reflected by rSBA levels and GMAI. This study provides the first evidence that the number of doses of MCC-TT used in infant immunization schedules could be decreased.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ray Borrow
- PHLS Meningococcal Reference Unit, Withington Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
There is a major need for an effective vaccine against serogroup B disease. The long-term efficacy of the serogroups A, C, Y and W135 conjugate vaccines and the need for booster vaccines has to be determined, as does the effect of changing epidemiology in the United States and worldwide. Control of serogroup A disease in sub-Saharan Africa is a major challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martha L Lepow
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Albany Medical Center, Room A-615, Mail Code 24, 47 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
The UK was the first country to implement a universal vaccination programme with conjugate polysaccharide vaccines against Neisseria meningitidis group C. This article reviews the pre- and postlicensure data on their efficacy and safety 3 years after the introduction of the programme. Local reactogenicity data compare favourably with other routine vaccinations and no specific increase in adverse reactions has been associated with their use in infant vaccination programmes. Self-limiting systemic reactions such as fever, myalgia, headaches and irritability have commonly been observed in prelicensure studies. Passive postlicensure safety monitoring of suspected adverse reactions has identified a large number of reports, generally of reactions deemed non-serious and reversible. An Expert Working Group has concluded the balance of benefits and risks to be overwhelmingly favourable. Further safety data are expected from large data-linkage studies. Present efficacy estimates, based on active surveillance of case numbers, vaccine failures and coverage rates, are approximately 90% for all age groups. A significant fall in the number of cases attributable to meningococcal group C infection has been observed in the age group of < 20 years. The annual number of fatalities from confirmed meningococcal C disease in the same population has fallen from 67 to 5 cases within a 2-year period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jens Rüggeberg
- Department of Child Health and Vaccine Institute, St George's Hospital Medical School, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0QT, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Jodar L, Stephens D, Feavers IM. Assay parameters and methods of data analysis for the comparison of complement sources in the Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C serum bactericidal assay. Biologicals 2002; 30:323-9. [PMID: 12474864 DOI: 10.1006/biol.2002.0341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
41
|
Mountzouros KT, Belanger KA, Howell AP, Bixler GS, Madore DV. A glycoconjugate vaccine for Neisseria meningitidis induces antibodies in human infants that afford protection against meningococcal bacteremia in a neonate rat challenge model. Infect Immun 2002; 70:6576-82. [PMID: 12438327 PMCID: PMC133014 DOI: 10.1128/iai.70.12.6576-6582.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The functional activities of serum samples from human infants immunized with a glycoconjugate vaccine for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C were assessed in a complement-mediated antibody-dependent serum bactericidal assay (SBA) and in a neonate rat model of protection from bacteremia. Selective serum samples from individual human infants were combined to make a panel of 11 serum pools to obtain a sufficient volume for testing. Each pool was assayed (i) for the anti-N. meningitidis serogroup C capsular polysaccharide (PS) immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration as determined by reactivity in a direct-binding enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, (ii) for bactericidal activity against N. meningitidis serogroup C strain C11, and (iii) for the ability to reduce bacteremia after passive transfer into a neonate rat model. Representative serum samples from infants who were not previously immunized with any N. meningitidis serogroup C vaccine served as a negative control. The prepared serum pools ranged in antibody concentration from 0.18 to 17.31 micro g of IgG specific for N. meningitidis serogroup C PS per ml. For this serum panel, a direct relationship between concentrations of anti-N. meningitidis serogroup C PS-specific IgG and serum SBA titers (r = 0.9960) was observed. Passive transfer to neonate rats demonstrated the ability of postimmunization serum samples to significantly reduce (> or =2-log(10) reduction compared to control animals) the level of bacteremia following a challenge. Of 79 neonate rats that received > or =0.031 micro g of human infant anti-N. meningitidis serogroup C PS IgG, 75 (94.9%) had a > or =2-log(10) reduction in bacteremia, whereas of the animals that received <0.031 micro g of antigen-specific IgG, 10.3% (4 of 39 rats) showed a > or =2-log(10) reduction in bacteremia. It was concluded that the anti-N. meningitidis serogroup C PS IgG antibody induced by this glycoconjugate vaccine had in vitro functional activity (as determined by a SBA) and also afforded protection against meningococcal bacteremia in an animal model.
Collapse
|
42
|
Jones C, Lemercinier X. Use and validation of NMR assays for the identity and O-acetyl content of capsular polysaccharides from Neisseria meningitidis used in vaccine manufacture. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2002; 30:1233-47. [PMID: 12408914 DOI: 10.1016/s0731-7085(02)00462-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We describe a validated NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopic assay for the identity of the capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) from Neisseria meningitidis Groups A, C, W135 and Y used in vaccine manufacture, and to determine the proportion of residues carrying an O-acetyl substituent. Proof of structural identity and quantitation of the O-acetyl content are key control parameters for these vaccines. The meningococcal CPSs have variable levels of O-acetylation, present at multiple sites in the repeat unit, leading to complex NMR spectra. Base-catalysed de-O-acetylation of the Groups A, C, W135 and Y CPSs yields simplified and reproducible spectra suitable for comparison with reference data. The degree of O-acetylation of the original CPS can be determined by integration of the acetate anion resonance and a suitable resonance from the saccharide moiety. The assay was validated using 46 independent samples from five manufacturers, and is shown to be robust and reproducible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Jones
- Laboratory for Molecular Structure, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, EN6 3QG, Herts, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Soriano-Gabarró M, Stuart JM, Rosenstein NE. Vaccines for the prevention of meningococcal disease in children. SEMINARS IN PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2002; 13:182-9. [PMID: 12199614 DOI: 10.1053/spid.2002.125861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is one of the most feared infections in pediatrics as the result of its rapid progression, high fatality rate, and frequent occurrence of sequelae. The 5 major meningococcal serogroups associated with disease are A, B, C, Y, and W-135. Currently available polysaccharide vaccines are effective in preventing disease caused by serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135 in older children and adults but do not elicit good long-term protection in young children. Vaccines that protect against serogroup B disease are still in development. As with the Haemophilus influenzae type b and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines, conjugation of the polysaccharide vaccine to a protein carrier dramatically changes vaccine characteristics, with resulting efficacy in infants. New meningococcal conjugate vaccines against serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135 are being developed. A serogroup C conjugate vaccine has been introduced successfully into the routine childhood schedule in the United Kingdom. New meningococcal conjugate vaccines are likely to have a dramatic effect on the burden of meningococcal disease within the next decade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Soriano-Gabarró
- Meningitis and Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Longworth E, Borrow R, Goldblatt D, Balmer P, Dawson M, Andrews N, Miller E, Cartwright K. Avidity maturation following vaccination with a meningococcal recombinant hexavalent PorA OMV vaccine in UK infants. Vaccine 2002; 20:2592-6. [PMID: 12057617 DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(02)00151-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
To date, there are no data assessing the utility of avidity indices as a surrogate marker for the induction of immunological memory following meningococcal serogroup B outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccination. We studied infants who had been immunized with three doses of a recombinant hexavalent PorA OMV vaccine at ages 2-4 months, together with a fourth dose at age 12-18 months. A control group had received a single dose of the same vaccine at age 12-18 months. As previously reported, serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) titres increased after each of the first three doses, with a significant increase observed from 6 months post third dose to 1 month post fourth dose. The geometric mean avidity indices (GMAI), against strain H44/76 OMVs, increased from 1 month post first dose to 1 month post third dose. Significant increases in GMAI were observed at 6 months post third dose and again following the fourth dose. At 32-42 months of age, though the SBA titres had returned to post first dose levels, the GMAI remained elevated. No increase in avidity was observed in the control group. Antibody avidity indices are useful laboratory markers for the priming of immunological memory following vaccination with meningococcal serogroup B OMV vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Longworth
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, Manchester Public Health Laboratory, Withington Hospital, Nell Lane, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
Meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia are important causes of morbidity and mortality in many parts of the world. More than 90% of the cases are caused by serogroups A, B and C; the remaining 10% are largely caused by the W-135 and Y strains. During the mid-to-late 1990s there was an increase in meningococcal serogroup (MS) C disease in the UK and some parts of Europe. MS C polysaccharide vaccines that were developed in the 1960s are weakly immunogenic and not protective in infants under 2 years of age, but are effective in older recipients. Meningitec (Wyeth-Ayerst) is produced by conjugation of serogroup C oligosaccharide with a mutant diphtheria protein (CRM197), with the aim of inducing T-cell dependent immune responses. It has been found to be immunogenic in infants, toddlers, older children and adults. The vaccine has also been shown to induce immunological memory and therefore is likely to give long-term protection against disease. It received a license for use in the UK in October 1999 and was introduced into the UK immunisation schedule in November 1999. Surveillance studies after introduction of this and similar vaccines have demonstrated a dramatic fall in the incidence of MS C disease. Pre-licensure research studies and post-licensure adverse event data have confirmed that the vaccine is safe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raman Lakshman
- Institute of Child Health, UBHT Education Centre, c/o Paul O'Gorman Building, Royal Hospital for Children, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8BJ UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
The past century has seen the use of a number of vaccines for prevention and control of meningococcal disease with varied success. The use of polysaccharide vaccines for the control of outbreaks of serogroup C infections in teenagers and young adults and epidemic serogroup A disease has been established for 30 years and an effective protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccine against serogroup C was introduced into the UK infant immunisation schedule in 2000. The next generation of these glycoconjugate vaccines will be on the shelf soon, eventually offering the prospect of eradication of serogroups A, C, Y and W135 through routine infant immunisation. Despite these exciting prospects, serogroup B meningococci still account for a majority of infections in industrialised nations but development of safe, immunogenic and effective serogroup B meningococcal vaccines has been an elusive goal. Outer membrane vesicle vaccines for B disease are already used in some countries, and will likely be used more widely in the next few years, but efficacy for endemic disease in children has so far been disappointing. However, the innovations arising from the availability of the meningococcal genome sequence, public and scientific interest in the disease and recent pharmaceutical company investment in development of serogroup B vaccines may have started the countdown to the end of meningococcal infection in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S L Morley
- Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College School of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Grabenstein JD. Meningococcal Vaccines: Expanding Protection from Infants to College. Hosp Pharm 2001. [DOI: 10.1177/001857870103601011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
With the rapid pace of immunologic research, it is more important than ever for readers to understand rational immunodiagnosis, immunopro-phylaxis, and immunotherapy. This column is intended to help you ensure proper immunologic drug use in your practice.
Collapse
|
48
|
Suker J, Feavers IM. Prospects offered by genome studies for combating meningococcal disease by vaccination. Pharmacogenomics 2001; 2:273-83. [PMID: 11535115 DOI: 10.1517/14622416.2.3.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningococcal disease was first recognised and Neisseria meningitidis isolated as the causative agent over 100 years ago, but despite more than a century of research, attempts to eliminate this distressing illness have so far been thwarted. The main problem lies in the fact that N. meningitidis usually exists as a harmless commensal inhabitant of the human nasopharynx, the pathogenic state being the exception rather than the norm. As man is its only host, the meningococcus is uniquely adapted to this ecological niche and has evolved an array of mechanisms for evading clearance by the human immune response. Progress has been made in combating the disease by developing vaccines that target specific pathogenic serogroups of meningococci. However, a fully comprehensive vaccine that protects against all pathogenic strains is still just beyond reach. The publication of the genome sequences of two meningococcal strains, one each from serogroups A and B and the imminent completion of a third illustrates the extent of the problems to be overcome, namely the vast array of genetic mechanisms for the generation of meningococcal diversity. Fortunately, genome studies also provide new hope for solutions to these problems in the potential for a greater understanding of meningococcal pathogenesis and possibilities for the identification of new vaccine candidates. This review describes some of the approaches that are currently being used to exploit the information from meningococcal genome sequences and seeks to identify future prospects for combating meningococcal disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Suker
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute of Biological Standards & Control, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Herts., EN6 3QG, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Hadi HA, Wooldridge KG, Robinson K, Ala'Aldeen DA. Identification and characterization of App: an immunogenic autotransporter protein of Neisseria meningitidis. Mol Microbiol 2001; 41:611-23. [PMID: 11532129 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2958.2001.02516.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In a search for immunogenic virulence factors in Neisseria meningitidis, we have identified a gene encoding a predicted 160 kDa protein with homology to the autotransporter family of proteins. Members of this family are secreted or surface exposed and are often associated with virulence in Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. We named the gene adhesion and penetration protein (app), because of its extensive homology to the hap gene of Haemophilus influenzae. We reconstructed the gene with reference to genomic sequence data and cloned and expressed the protein in Escherichia coli. Rabbit antiserum raised against recombinant App reacted with proteins in all meningococcal isolates examined, which represented clonal groups responsible for the majority of meningococcal invasive disease. Antibodies to the protein were detected in the sera of patients convalescing from meningococcal infection. Purified App had strong stimulating activity for T cells isolated from a number of healthy donors and from one convalescent patient. We confirmed that App is surface localized, cleaved and secreted by N. meningitidis. Importantly, the rabbit anti-App serum killed the organism in the presence of complement. Thus, App is conserved among meningococci, immunogenic in humans and potentially involved in virulence. It therefore merits further investigation as a component of a future multivalent vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H A Hadi
- Molecular Bacteriology and Immunology Group, Division of Microbiology, School of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Affiliation(s)
- J Maclennan
- Wellcome Trust Centre for the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3FY, UK.
| |
Collapse
|