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Cotugno N, Neri A, Sanna M, Santilli V, Manno EC, Pascucci GR, Morrocchi E, Amodio D, Ruggiero A, Ciofi degl Atti ML, Barneschi I, Grappi S, Cocchi I, Giacomet V, Trabattoni D, Olivieri G, Bernardi S, O’Connor D, Montomoli E, Pollard AJ, Palma P. Children with perinatally acquired HIV exhibit distinct immune responses to 4CMenB vaccine. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e177182. [PMID: 38775152 PMCID: PMC11141905 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.177182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Children with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) have special vaccination needs, as they make suboptimal immune responses. Here, we evaluated safety and immunogenicity of 2 doses of 4-component group B meningococcal vaccine in antiretroviral therapy-treated children with PHIV and healthy controls (HCs). Assessments included the standard human serum bactericidal antibody (hSBA) assay and measurement of IgG titers against capsular group B Neisseria meningitidis antigens (fHbp, NHBA, NadA). The B cell compartment and vaccine-induced antigen-specific (fHbp+) B cells were investigated by flow cytometry, and gene expression was investigated by multiplexed real-time PCR. A good safety and immunogenicity profile was shown in both groups; however, PHIV demonstrated a reduced immunogenicity compared with HCs. Additionally, PHIV showed a reduced frequency of fHbp+ and an altered B cell subset distribution, with higher fHbp+ frequency in activated memory and tissue-like memory B cells. Gene expression analyses on these cells revealed distinct mechanisms between PHIV and HC seroconverters. Overall, these data suggest that PHIV presents a diverse immune signature following vaccination. The impact of such perturbation on long-term maintenance of vaccine-induced immunity should be further evaluated in vulnerable populations, such as people with PHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Cotugno
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine and
| | - Alessia Neri
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Sanna
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Santilli
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emma Concetta Manno
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rubens Pascucci
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Morrocchi
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Donato Amodio
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine and
| | - Alessandra Ruggiero
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marta Luisa Ciofi degl Atti
- Unit of Epidemiology, Clinical Pathways and Clinical Risk, Medical Direction, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Ilaria Cocchi
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, “Luigi Sacco” Hospital, and
| | - Vania Giacomet
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, “Luigi Sacco” Hospital, and
| | - Daria Trabattoni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Olivieri
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Bernardi
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniel O’Connor
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Emanuele Montomoli
- VisMederi Life Sciences Srl, Siena, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Andrew J. Pollard
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Paolo Palma
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine and
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Presa J, Burman C, Tort MJ, Cane A, Bocchini JA. Serum bactericidal activity against circulating and reference strains of meningococcal serogroup B in the United States: A review of the strain coverage of meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccines in adolescents and young adults. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2212570. [PMID: 37257838 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2212570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is rare but associated with high morbidity and mortality. In the United States, the most vulnerable age groups are infants and adolescents/young adults, and the most common type of IMD is caused by serogroup B (MenB). MenB is preventable among adolescents and young adults with the use of two licensed vaccines, MenB-FHbp (Trumenba®, bivalent rLP2086; Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA) and MenB-4C (Bexsero®; GSK Vaccines, Srl, Italy). Because the effectiveness of MenB vaccination is dependent on broad vaccine coverage across circulating disease-causing strains, we reviewed the available clinical and real-world evidence regarding breadth of coverage of the two licensed vaccines in adolescents and young adults in the United States. Both vaccines protect against various MenB strains. More controlled data regarding breadth of coverage across MenB strains are available for MenB-FHbp compared with MenB-4C, whereas more observational data regarding US outbreak strain susceptibility are available for MenB-4C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Presa
- Vaccines Medical Development & Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Cynthia Burman
- Vaccines Medical Development & Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Maria J Tort
- Vaccines Medical Development & Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Alejandro Cane
- Vaccines Medical Development & Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Joseph A Bocchini
- Pediatric Infectious Disease, Willis-Knighton Health System, Shreveport, LA, USA
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Borrow R, Martinón-Torres F, Abitbol V, Andani A, Preiss S, Muzzi A, Serino L, Sohn WY. Use of expanded Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B panels with the serum bactericidal antibody assay for the evaluation of meningococcal B vaccine effectiveness. Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:738-748. [PMID: 37622470 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2244596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (NmB) antigens are inherently diverse with variable expression among strains. Prediction of meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine effectiveness therefore requires an assay suitable for use against large panels of epidemiologically representative disease-causing NmB strains. Traditional serum bactericidal antibody assay using exogenous human complement (hSBA) is limited to the quantification of MenB vaccine immunogenicity on a small number of indicator strains. AREAS COVERED Additional and complementary methods for assessing strain coverage developed previously include the Meningococcal Antigen Typing System (MATS), Meningococcal Antigen Surface Expression (MEASURE) assay, and genotyping approaches, but these do not estimate vaccine effectiveness. We provide a narrative review of these methods, highlighting a more recent approach involving the hSBA assay in conjunction with expanded NmB strain panels: hSBA assay using endogenous complement in each vaccinated person's serum (enc-hSBA) against a 110-strain NmB panel and the traditional hSBA assay against 14 (4 + 10) NmB strains. EXPERT OPINION The enc-hSBA is a highly standardized, robust method that can be used in clinical trials to measure the immunological effectiveness of MenB vaccines under conditions that mimic real-world settings as closely as possible, through the use of endogenous complement and a diverse, epidemiologically representative panel of NmB strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray Borrow
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - Federico Martinón-Torres
- Pediatrics Research Group (GENVIP), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago and Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
- Translational Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
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Genetic Features of a Representative Panel of 110 Meningococcal B Isolates to Assess the Efficacy of Meningococcal B Vaccines. mSphere 2022; 7:e0038522. [PMID: 36129279 PMCID: PMC9599336 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00385-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Predictions of vaccine efficacy against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (NmB) disease are hindered by antigenic variability, limiting the representativeness of individual NmB isolates. A qualitative human serum bactericidal assay using endogenous complements of individual subjects (enc-hSBA) enables large panels of NmB isolates to be tested. A 110-isolate panel was randomly selected from 442 invasive NmB isolates from United States cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) from 2000 to 2008. Typing analyses confirmed the 110-isolate panel is representative of the 442 isolates. The genetic features of the 110-isolate panel were compared against over 4,200 invasive NmB isolates collected from 2000 to 2018 in the United States, Australia, Canada, and nine European countries. Clonal complexes in the 110-isolate panel are also present in each geographical region; cumulative percentages show that these account for around 81% of the clonal complexes found in NmB isolates in other panels. For the antigens (fHbp, NHBA, PorA1.4, NadA) included in the currently licensed meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccines, specifically considering the presence of at least one antigen with a matched genotype, the 110-isolate panel represents approximately 89% of the NmB isolates circulating worldwide, ranging from 87% for the European isolates to 95% and 97% for NmB isolates in the United States and Australia, respectively. The 110-isolate panel includes the most prevalent clonal complexes and genetic variants of MenB vaccine antigens found in a multinational collection of invasive NmB isolates. This panel is useful for assessing the efficacy of MenB vaccines in clinical trials worldwide. IMPORTANCENeisseria meningitidis serogroup B (NmB) is a major cause of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). Predicting the effectiveness of vaccines against NmB is difficult because NmB is an uncommon disease and because antigens targeted by meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccines have highly variable genetic features and expression levels. Therefore, a large number of NmB isolates from different regions would need to be tested to comprehensively assess vaccine effectiveness. We examined a panel of 110 isolates obtained from NmB IMD cases in the United States and compared the genetic features of this panel with those of panels from different countries around the world. We found the 110-isolate panel included the most common clonal complexes and genetic variants of MenB vaccine antigens that exist in the global collections of invasive NmB isolates. This confirms the value of the NmB 110-isolate panel in understanding the effectiveness of MenB vaccines in clinical trials worldwide.
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Bettencourt C, Nogueira P, Paulo Gomes J, João Simões M. Vaccines against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B strains - What does genomics reveal on the Portuguese strain's coverage. Vaccine 2022; 40:4772-4779. [PMID: 35778280 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In Portugal, Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MenB) is the most common serogroup causing invasive meningococcal disease. To protect against MenB disease two protein based MenB vaccines are available in Portugal, the 4CMenB that was licenced in 2014 and included in the routine immunization program in October 2020, and the bivalent rLP2086 vaccine licensed in 2017. The aim of this study was to predict the coverage of the 4CMenB and rLP2086 vaccines against Portuguese isolates of Neisseria meningitidis sampled between 2012 and 2019 and to evaluate the diversity of vaccine antigens based on genomic analysis. Whole-genome sequence data from 324 Portuguese Neisseria meningitidis isolates were analysed. To predict strain coverage by 4CMenB and rLP2086, vaccine antigen reactivity was assessed using the MenDeVar index available on the PubMLST Neisseria website. This study included 235 (75.6%) MenB isolates of all invasive MenB strains reported between 2012 and 2019. Moreover, 89 non MenB isolates sampled in the same period, enrolling 68 from invasive disease and 21 from healthy carriers, were also studied. The predicted strain coverage of MenB isolates was 73.5% (95% CI: 64.8%-81.2%) for 4CMenB and 100% for rLP2086. Predicted strain coverage by 4CMenB in the age group from 0 to 4 years old, was 73.9%. Most of MenB isolates were covered by a single antigen (85.4%), namely fHbp (30.3%), P1.4 (29.2%), and NHBA (24.7%). In Portugal, the most prevalent peptides in MenB isolates were: P1.4 (16.2%), NHBA peptide 2 (14.0%), and fHbp peptide 14 (7.2%), from 4CMenB and fHbp peptide 19 (10.6%) from rLP2086. No significant temporal trends were observed concerning the distribution and diversity of vaccine antigen variants. 4CMenB and rLP2086 vaccines showed potential coverage for isolates regardless serogroup. The use of both vaccines should be considered to control possible outbreaks caused by serogroups with no vaccine available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Bettencourt
- National Reference Laboratory for Neisseria meningitidis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health (INSA), 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Paulo Nogueira
- Laboratório de Biomatemática - Instituto de Medicina Preventiva e Saúde Pública, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - João Paulo Gomes
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health (INSA), 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Maria João Simões
- National Reference Laboratory for Neisseria meningitidis, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health (INSA), 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
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Findlow J, Borrow R, Stephens DS, Liberator P, Anderson AS, Balmer P, Jodar L. Correlates of protection for meningococcal surface protein vaccines; current approaches for the determination of breadth of coverage. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:753-769. [PMID: 35469524 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2064850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The two currently licensed surface protein non capsular meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccines both have the purpose of providing broad coverage against diverse MenB strains. However, the different antigen compositions and approaches used to assess breadth of coverage currently make direct comparisons complex. AREAS COVERED In the second of two companion papers, we comprehensively review the serology and factors influencing breadth of coverage assessments for two currently licensed MenB vaccines. EXPERT OPINION Surface protein MenB vaccines were developed using different approaches, resulting in unique formulations and thus their breadth of coverage. The surface proteins used as vaccine antigens can vary among meningococcal strains due to gene presence/absence, sequence diversity and differences in protein expression. Assessment of the breadth of coverage provided by vaccines is influenced by the ability to induce cross-reactive functional immune responses to sequence diverse protein variants; the characteristics of the circulating invasive strains from specific geographic locations; methodological differences in the immunogenicity assays; differences in human immune responses between individuals; and the maintenance of protective antibody levels over time. Understanding the proportion of meningococcal strains which are covered by the two licensed vaccines is important in understanding protection from disease and public health use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Findlow
- Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Ltd, Tadworth, UK
| | - Ray Borrow
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - David S Stephens
- Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Paul Liberator
- Vaccine Research and Development, Pfizer Inc, Pearl River, New York, USA
| | | | - Paul Balmer
- Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Luis Jodar
- Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
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Product review on the IMD serogroup B vaccine Bexsero®. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2020043. [PMID: 35192786 PMCID: PMC8986181 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.2020043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bexsero® is a multicomponent vaccine composed of four major proteins of Neisseria meningitidis: the fHbp, NHBA, NadA and PorA. This vaccine was licensed against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) due to serogroup B isolates. When administered alone, Bexsero® showed a safety profile similar to other childhood vaccines. It provides an excellent immunogenicity but that requires booster doses in infants and young children. Although the vaccine does not seem to impact on acquisition of carriage of serogroup B isolates, it confers protection against isolates of serogroup B harboring distinct but cross-reactive variants of fHbp, NadA and NHBA. Primary vaccination schemes in infancy underwent a rapid increase after a toddler booster suggesting an anamnestic response and the establishment of a memory response. As Bexsero® targets sub-capsular proteins that can be conserved regardless the capsule, the vaccine can be effective against non-B isolates such as isolates of serogroups W and X.
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Serogroup B meningococcal disease in persons previously vaccinated with a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine - United States, 2014-2019. Vaccine 2021; 39:7655-7660. [PMID: 34785099 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Since serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines became available in the United States, six serogroup B meningococcal disease cases have been reported in MenB-4C (n = 4) or MenB-FHbp (n = 2) recipients. Cases were identified and characterized through surveillance and health record review. All five available isolates were characterized using whole genome sequencing; four isolates (from MenB-4C recipients) were further characterized using flow cytometry, MenB-4C-induced serum bactericidal activity (SBA), and genetic Meningococcal Antigen Typing System (gMATS). Three patients were at increased meningococcal disease risk because of an outbreak or underlying medical conditions, and only four of the six patients had completed a full 2-dose MenB series. Isolates were available from 5 patients, and all contained sub-family A FHbp. The four isolates from MenB-4C recipients expressed NhbA but were mismatched for the other MenB-4C vaccine antigens. These four isolates were relatively resistant to MenB-4C-induced SBA, but predicted by gMATS to be covered. Overall, patient risk factors, incomplete vaccine series completion, waning immunity, and strain resistance to SBA likely contributed to disease in these six patients.
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Findlow J, Lucidarme J, Taha MK, Burman C, Balmer P. Correlates of protection for meningococcal surface protein vaccines: lessons from the past. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 21:739-751. [PMID: 34287103 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1940144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recombinant surface protein meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccines are available but with different antigen compositions, leading to differences between vaccines in their immunogenicity and likely breadth of coverage. The serology and breadth of coverage assessment for MenB vaccines are multifaceted areas, and a comprehensive understanding of these complexities is required to appropriately compare licensed vaccines and those under development. AREAS COVERED In the first of two companion papers that comprehensively review the serology and breadth of coverage assessment for MenB vaccines, the history of early meningococcal vaccines is considered in this narrative review to identify transferable lessons applicable to the currently licensed MenB vaccines and those under development, as well as their serology. EXPERT OPINION Understanding correlates of protection and the breadth of coverage assessment for meningococcal surface protein vaccines is significantly more complex than that for capsular polysaccharide vaccines. Determination and understanding of the breadth of coverage of surface protein vaccines are clinically important and unique to each vaccine formulation. It is essential to estimate the proportion of MenB cases that are preventable by a specific vaccine to assess its overall potential impact and to compare the benefits and limitations of different vaccines in preventing invasive meningococcal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Findlow
- Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Ltd, Tadworth, UK
| | - Jay Lucidarme
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Cynthia Burman
- Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Paul Balmer
- Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
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Genetic Diversity of Meningococcal Serogroup B Vaccine Antigens among Carriage Isolates Collected from Students at Three Universities in the United States, 2015-2016. mBio 2021; 12:mBio.00855-21. [PMID: 34006659 PMCID: PMC8262942 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00855-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Carriage evaluations were conducted during 2015 to 2016 at two U.S. universities in conjunction with the response to disease outbreaks caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B and at a university where outbreak and response activities had not occurred. All eligible students at the two universities received the serogroup B meningococcal factor H binding protein vaccine (MenB-FHbp); 5.2% of students (181/3,509) at one university received MenB-4C. A total of 1,514 meningococcal carriage isolates were obtained from 8,905 oropharyngeal swabs from 7,001 unique participants. Whole-genome sequencing data were analyzed to understand MenB-FHbp’s impact on carriage and antigen genetic diversity and distribution. Of 1,422 isolates from carriers with known vaccination status (726 [51.0%] from MenB-FHbp-vaccinated, 42 [3.0%] from MenB-4C-vaccinated, and 654 [46.0%] from unvaccinated participants), 1,406 (98.9%) had intact fHbp alleles (716 from MenB-FHbp-vaccinated participants). Of 726 isolates from MenB-FHbp-vaccinated participants, 250 (34.4%) harbored FHbp peptides that may be covered by MenB-FHbp. Genogroup B was detected in 122/1,422 (8.6%) and 112/1,422 (7.9%) isolates from MenB-FHbp-vaccinated and unvaccinated participants, respectively. FHbp subfamily and peptide distributions between MenB-FHbp-vaccinated and unvaccinated participants were not statistically different. Eighteen of 161 MenB-FHbp-vaccinated repeat carriers (11.2%) acquired a new strain containing one or more new vaccine antigen peptides during multiple rounds of sample collection, which was not statistically different (P = 0.3176) from the unvaccinated repeat carriers (1/30; 3.3%). Our findings suggest that lack of MenB vaccine impact on carriage was not due to missing the intact fHbp gene; MenB-FHbp did not affect antigen genetic diversity and distribution during the study period.
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11
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Tozer SJ, Smith HV, Whiley DM, Borrow R, Boccadifuoco G, Medini D, Serruto D, Giuliani MM, Stella M, De Paola R, Muzzi A, Pizza M, Sloots TP, Nissen MD. High coverage of diverse invasive meningococcal serogroup B strains by the 4-component vaccine 4CMenB in Australia, 2007-2011: Concordant predictions between MATS and genetic MATS. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:3230-3238. [PMID: 33847225 PMCID: PMC8381844 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1904758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) accounts for an important proportion of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). The 4-component vaccine against MenB (4CMenB) is composed of factor H binding protein (fHbp), neisserial heparin-binding antigen (NHBA), Neisseria adhesin A (NadA), and outer membrane vesicles of the New Zealand strain with Porin 1.4. A meningococcal antigen typing system (MATS) and a fully genomic approach, genetic MATS (gMATS), were developed to predict coverage of MenB strains by 4CMenB. We characterized 520 MenB invasive disease isolates collected over a 5-year period (January 2007-December 2011) from all Australian states/territories by multilocus sequence typing and estimated strain coverage by 4CMenB. The clonal complexes most frequently identified were ST-41/44 CC/Lineage 3 (39.4%) and ST-32 CC/ET-5 CC (23.7%). The overall MATS predicted coverage was 74.6% (95% coverage interval: 61.1%-85.6%). The overall gMATS prediction was 81.0% (lower-upper limit: 75.0-86.9%), showing 91.5% accuracy compared with MATS. Overall, 23.7% and 13.1% (MATS) and 26.0% and 14.0% (gMATS) of isolates were covered by at least 2 and 3 vaccine antigens, respectively, with fHbp and NHBA contributing the most to coverage. When stratified by year of isolate collection, state/territory and age group, MATS and gMATS strain coverage predictions were consistent across all strata. The high coverage predicted by MATS and gMATS indicates that 4CMenB vaccination may have an impact on the burden of MenB-caused IMD in Australia. gMATS can be used in the future to monitor variations in 4CMenB strain coverage over time and geographical areas even for non-culture confirmed IMD cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Tozer
- Queensland Paediatric Infectious Disease Laboratory, Children's Health Queensland Hospitals and Health Service, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Helen V Smith
- Pathology Queensland, Forensic & Scientific Services, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David M Whiley
- Queensland Paediatric Infectious Disease Laboratory, Children's Health Queensland Hospitals and Health Service, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ray Borrow
- Public Health England, Meningococcal Reference Unit, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Theo P Sloots
- Queensland Paediatric Infectious Disease Laboratory, Children's Health Queensland Hospitals and Health Service, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michael D Nissen
- Queensland Paediatric Infectious Disease Laboratory, Children's Health Queensland Hospitals and Health Service, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,GSK, Melbourne, Australia
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12
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Endogenous complement human serum bactericidal assay (enc-hSBA) for vaccine effectiveness assessments against meningococcal serogroup B. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:29. [PMID: 33623041 PMCID: PMC7902841 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00286-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunogenicity of vaccines against meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) has been assessed pre-licensure with a human serum bactericidal activity assay (hSBA), tested against small numbers of strains. We report the qualification/validation of an alternative qualitative hSBA which uses endogenous complement (enc-hSBA) present in the vaccinee’s serum. Serum samples were collected from adults pre-vaccination and post-vaccination with the 4-component MenB vaccine (4CMenB). A representative panel of invasive isolates and 4 antigen-specific indicator strains were used in qualification experiments. Each strain was tested in ≥3 experiments with pre/post-vaccination sera to evaluate intermediate precision. A 110-strain panel and the 4 indicator strains met qualification criteria, demonstrating assay precision. Assay robustness, specificity and sensitivity were demonstrated using the 4 indicator strains. Enc-hSBA is highly standardized, allows testing across large panels of epidemiologically-relevant MenB strains, and accounts for complement activity differences between vaccinees. Therefore, enc-hSBA enables a more accurate estimation of effectiveness for vaccines against MenB.
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Abad R, García-Amil C, Navarro C, Martín E, Martín-Díaz A, Vázquez JA. Molecular characterization of invasive serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis isolates from Spain during 2015-2018: Evolution of the vaccine antigen factor H binding protein (FHbp). J Infect 2021; 82:37-44. [PMID: 33610688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2021.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Studies of meningococcal genetic population structure, including the potential associations between surface proteins variants and clonal complexes, are important to understand how new protein MenB vaccines might impact in specific scenarios. With the aim to analyze the diversity of Spanish invasive MenB strains, and genetic variability of the fHbp vaccine antigen, all MenB isolates received at National Reference Laboratory (NRL) from 2015 to 2018 were molecularly characterized. MATERIAL AND METHODS 108, 103, 87 and 112 invasive MenB strains isolated during 2015-2018, respectively, were received at NRL. The strains were whole genome sequenced, and porA, fetA, MLST and fHbp variability was analyzed. Potential impact on MenB vaccines coverage was also assessed. RESULTS A total of 42, 38 and 3 different FHbp subfamily A, B and A/B hybrid peptides, respectively, were found. FHbp subfamily A peptides were harboured by most of the strains (65.9%), being the most prevalent peptide 45 which was associated with genosubtype 22,14 and cc213. FHbp subfamily B peptides were harboured by 32.4% of the strains, and 6 strains harbouring subfamily A/B hybrid peptides were also found. The 64.15% of the strains showed FHbp variants "exact-match" or "cross-reactive" to the FHbp variants included in rLP2086 vaccine according to hSBA assays in the rLP2086 clinical development, and 15.85% showed FHbp peptides defined as predictors of FHbp-coverage for 4CMenB vaccine by gMATS. CONCLUSIONS Due to invasive meningococcal strains temporal variability (eg prevalence of the cc213 increased from 3.6% in 2007 to 33% in 2018) affecting to the presence and distribution of the vaccine antigens, continuous detailed meningococcal surveillance and monitoring of the vaccine antigens is needed to determine the degree and durability of coverage provided by these protein vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Abad
- National Reference Laboratory for meningococci, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra, Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km2., 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Cristina García-Amil
- National Reference Laboratory for meningococci, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra, Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km2., 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carmen Navarro
- National Reference Laboratory for meningococci, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra, Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km2., 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Elena Martín
- National Reference Laboratory for meningococci, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra, Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km2., 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ariadna Martín-Díaz
- National Reference Laboratory for meningococci, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra, Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km2., 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio A Vázquez
- National Reference Laboratory for meningococci, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra, Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km2., 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
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Meningococcal Deduced Vaccine Antigen Reactivity (MenDeVAR) Index: a Rapid and Accessible Tool That Exploits Genomic Data in Public Health and Clinical Microbiology Applications. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 59:JCM.02161-20. [PMID: 33055180 PMCID: PMC7771438 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02161-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As microbial genomics makes increasingly important contributions to clinical and public health microbiology, the interpretation of whole-genome sequence data by nonspecialists becomes essential. In the absence of capsule-based vaccines, two protein-based vaccines have been used for the prevention of invasive serogroup B meningococcal disease (IMD) since their licensure in 2013 and 2014. These vaccines have different components and different levels of coverage of meningococcal variants. Hence, decisions regarding which vaccine to use in managing serogroup B IMD outbreaks require information about the index case isolate, including (i) the presence of particular vaccine antigen variants, (ii) the expression of vaccine antigens, and (iii) the likely susceptibility of its antigen variants to antibody-dependent bactericidal killing. As microbial genomics makes increasingly important contributions to clinical and public health microbiology, the interpretation of whole-genome sequence data by nonspecialists becomes essential. In the absence of capsule-based vaccines, two protein-based vaccines have been used for the prevention of invasive serogroup B meningococcal disease (IMD) since their licensure in 2013 and 2014. These vaccines have different components and different levels of coverage of meningococcal variants. Hence, decisions regarding which vaccine to use in managing serogroup B IMD outbreaks require information about the index case isolate, including (i) the presence of particular vaccine antigen variants, (ii) the expression of vaccine antigens, and (iii) the likely susceptibility of its antigen variants to antibody-dependent bactericidal killing. To obtain this information requires a multitude of laboratory assays, impractical in real-time clinical settings, where the information is most urgently needed. To facilitate assessment for public health and clinical purposes, we synthesized genomic and experimental data from published sources to develop and implement the Meningococcal Deduced Vaccine Antigen Reactivity (MenDeVAR) Index, which is publicly available on PubMLST (https://pubmlst.org). Using whole-genome sequences or individual gene sequences obtained from IMD isolates or clinical specimens, the MenDeVAR Index provides rapid evidence-based information on the presence and possible immunological cross-reactivity of different meningococcal vaccine antigen variants. The MenDeVAR Index enables practitioners who are not genomics specialists to assess the likely reactivity of vaccines for individual cases, outbreak management, or the assessment of public health vaccine programs. The MenDeVAR Index has been developed in consultation with, but independently of, both the 4CMenB (Bexsero; GSK) and rLP2086 (Trumenba; Pfizer, Inc.) vaccine manufacturers.
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Findlow J, Bayliss CD, Beernink PT, Borrow R, Liberator P, Balmer P. Broad vaccine protection against Neisseria meningitidis using factor H binding protein. Vaccine 2020; 38:7716-7727. [PMID: 32878710 PMCID: PMC8082720 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis, the causative agent of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), is classified into different serogroups defined by their polysaccharide capsules. Meningococcal serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y are responsible for most IMD cases, with serogroup B (MenB) causing a substantial percentage of IMD cases in many regions. Vaccines using capsular polysaccharides conjugated to carrier proteins have been successfully developed for serogroups A, C, W, and Y. However, because the MenB capsular polysaccharide is poorly immunogenic, MenB vaccine development has focused on alternative antigens. The 2 currently available MenB vaccines (MenB-4C and MenB-FHbp) both include factor H binding protein (FHbp), a surface-exposed protein harboured by nearly all meningococcal isolates that is important for survival of the bacteria in human blood. MenB-4C contains a nonlipidated FHbp from subfamily B in addition to other antigens, including Neisserial Heparin Binding Antigen, Neisserial adhesin A, and outer membrane vesicles, whereas MenB-FHbp contains a lipidated FHbp from each subfamily (A and B). FHbp is highly immunogenic and a main target of bactericidal activity of antibodies elicited by both licensed MenB vaccines. FHbp is also an important vaccine component, in contrast to some other meningococcal antigens that may have limited cross-protection across strains, as FHbp-specific antibodies can provide broad cross-protection within each subfamily. Limited cross-protection between subfamilies necessitates the inclusion of FHbp variants from both subfamilies to achieve broad FHbp-based vaccine coverage. Additionally, immune responses to the lipidated form of FHbp have a superior cross-reactive profile to those elicited by the nonlipidated form. Taken together, the inclusion of lipidated FHbp variants from both FHbp subfamilies is expected to provide broad protection against the diverse disease-causing meningococcal strains expressing a wide range of FHbp sequence variants. This review describes the development of vaccines for MenB disease prevention, with a focus on the FHbp antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Findlow
- Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Ltd, Tadworth, UK.
| | | | - Peter T Beernink
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Ray Borrow
- Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK.
| | - Paul Liberator
- Vaccine Research and Development, Pfizer Inc, Pearl River, NY, USA.
| | - Paul Balmer
- Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA.
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Mbaeyi SA, Bozio CH, Duffy J, Rubin LG, Hariri S, Stephens DS, MacNeil JR. Meningococcal Vaccination: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2020. MMWR Recomm Rep 2020; 69:1-41. [PMID: 33417592 PMCID: PMC7527029 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.rr6909a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This report compiles and summarizes all recommendations from CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for use of meningococcal vaccines in the United States. As a comprehensive summary and update of previously published recommendations, it replaces all previously published reports and policy notes. This report also contains new recommendations for administration of booster doses of serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine for persons at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease. These guidelines will be updated as needed on the basis of availability of new data or licensure of new meningococcal vaccines. ACIP recommends routine vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) for adolescents aged 11 or 12 years, with a booster dose at age 16 years. ACIP also recommends routine vaccination with MenACWY for persons aged ≥2 months at increased risk for meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, or Y, including persons who have persistent complement component deficiencies; persons receiving a complement inhibitor (e.g., eculizumab [Soliris] or ravulizumab [Ultomiris]); persons who have anatomic or functional asplenia; persons with human immunodeficiency virus infection; microbiologists routinely exposed to isolates of Neisseria meningitidis; persons identified to be at increased risk because of a meningococcal disease outbreak caused by serogroups A, C, W, or Y; persons who travel to or live in areas in which meningococcal disease is hyperendemic or epidemic; unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated first-year college students living in residence halls; and military recruits. ACIP recommends MenACWY booster doses for previously vaccinated persons who become or remain at increased risk.In addition, ACIP recommends routine use of MenB vaccine series among persons aged ≥10 years who are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease, including persons who have persistent complement component deficiencies; persons receiving a complement inhibitor; persons who have anatomic or functional asplenia; microbiologists who are routinely exposed to isolates of N. meningitidis; and persons identified to be at increased risk because of a meningococcal disease outbreak caused by serogroup B. ACIP recommends MenB booster doses for previously vaccinated persons who become or remain at increased risk. In addition, ACIP recommends a MenB series for adolescents and young adults aged 16-23 years on the basis of shared clinical decision-making to provide short-term protection against disease caused by most strains of serogroup B N. meningitidis.
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Soler-Garcia A, Fernández de Sevilla M, Abad R, Esteva C, Alsina L, Vázquez J, Muñoz-Almagro C, Noguera-Julian A. Meningococcal Serogroup B Disease in Vaccinated Children. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2020; 9:454-459. [PMID: 31634404 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piz071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MenB) is the most frequent cause of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Spain. The multicomponent vaccine against MenB (4CMenB) was approved in Spain in January 2014. METHODS We present 4 cases of children who developed MenB-associated IMD despite previous vaccination with 4CMenB. Extensive immunologic diagnostic work-up was performed in order to rule out any immunodeficiency. Also, molecular characterization of the MenB strain was conducted to determine whether bacterial antigens matched vaccine antigens. RESULTS Among the 4 patients (2 girls), 2 had previous risk factors for IMD (recurrent bacterial meningitis of unknown origin and treatment with eculizumab). All patients developed meningitis, but only 2 developed septic shock; they were all cured without sequelae. No other primary or secondary immunodeficiencies were detected. MenB sequence type 213 was identified in 3 cases. With the exception of neisserial heparin-binding antigen peptide 465 present in 1 isolate, the rest of the isolated strains harbored vaccine antigen variants that did not match antigen variants included in the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS We present 4 children who developed MenB-associated IMD despite previous vaccination with 4CMenB. In 2 cases, the antibodies induced by 4CMenB likely were not effective against the isolated strains. A high level of suspicion for IMD seems advisable regardless of the patient's vaccination history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleix Soler-Garcia
- Malalties Infeccioses i Resposta Inflamatòria Sistèmica en Pediatria, Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariona Fernández de Sevilla
- Malalties Infeccioses i Resposta Inflamatòria Sistèmica en Pediatria, Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Pediatria, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Translacional en Infectología Pediátrica, RITIP, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Abad
- Unidad de Neisseria, Listeria y Bordetella, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Esteva
- Malalties Infeccioses i Resposta Inflamatòria Sistèmica en Pediatria, Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laia Alsina
- Malalties Infeccioses i Resposta Inflamatòria Sistèmica en Pediatria, Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Pediatria, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Clinical Immunology and Primary Immunodeficiencies Unit, Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,Clinical Immunology Unit Hospital Sant Joan de Déu-Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio Vázquez
- Unidad de Neisseria, Listeria y Bordetella, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Muñoz-Almagro
- Malalties Infeccioses i Resposta Inflamatòria Sistèmica en Pediatria, Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Translacional en Infectología Pediátrica, RITIP, Madrid, Spain.,Departament de Medicina, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Noguera-Julian
- Malalties Infeccioses i Resposta Inflamatòria Sistèmica en Pediatria, Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Pediatria, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Translacional en Infectología Pediátrica, RITIP, Madrid, Spain
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Genomic Characterization of Invasive Meningococcal Serogroup B Isolates and Estimation of 4CMenB Vaccine Coverage in Finland. mSphere 2020; 5:5/5/e00376-20. [PMID: 32938694 PMCID: PMC7494829 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00376-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by Neisseria meningitidis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Finland, the incidence rate of IMD is low, with meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) accounting for around one-third of IMD cases annually. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic variability of invasive MenB isolates collected in Finland between 2010 and 2017 (n = 81), including the genes encoding the 4-component MenB vaccine (4CMenB; Bexsero; GSK) antigens and their promoters, and to evaluate the 4CMenB potential coverage. Whole-genome sequencing was performed. The meningococcal antigen typing system (MATS) was used to characterize MenB isolates and predict the potential coverage of 4CMenB. MATS was complemented by genetic MATS (gMATS) through association of antigen genotyping and phenotypic MATS results. Multilocus sequence typing revealed predominance of the ST-41/44 clonal complex among which sequence type (ST)-303 was the most common and was predicted to be covered by 4CMenB. Of the 4 major vaccine antigens, the factor H-binding protein variant 1, neisserial heparin binding antigen peptide 2, and the PorA P1.4 antigen were predominant, whereas Neisseria adhesin A was present in only 4% of the 81 isolates. MATS and gMATS 4CMenB strain coverage predictions were 78% and 86%, respectively, in a subpanel of 60 isolates collected during 2010 to 2014, with a gMATS prediction of 84% for all 81 isolates. The results suggest that 4CMenB could reduce the burden of IMD in Finland and that gMATS could be applied to monitor vaccine strain coverage and predict vaccine effectiveness.IMPORTANCE 4CMenB is a 4-component vaccine used against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MenB). We investigated the genetic variability of MenB in Finland and evaluated 4CMenB strain coverage by 2 different methods: MATS (meningococcal antigen typing system) and gMATS (genetic MATS). In a set of MenB isolates, 78% (MATS) and 86% (gMATS) were predicted as covered by 4CMenB, suggesting that use of 4CMenB would help reduce IMD incidence in Finland. MATS has been used in 13 countries worldwide, generating information on phenotypic characteristics that could infer protection by 4CMenB. Based on these data and genetic information, gMATS coverage predictions can be made. gMATS predicts coverage consistent with MATS for about 94% of tested strains. Unlike MATS, gMATS does not require live isolates, thus allowing the analysis also of noncultivable strains, making the coverage predictions more accurate. Therefore, gMATS can replace MATS to assess 4CMenB coverage, including in regions with no prior MATS data.
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Semchenko EA, Tan A, Borrow R, Seib KL. The Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine Bexsero Elicits Antibodies to Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 69:1101-1111. [PMID: 30551148 PMCID: PMC6743822 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy1061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis are closely-related bacteria that cause a significant global burden of disease. Control of gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly difficult, due to widespread antibiotic resistance. While vaccines are routinely used for N. meningitidis, no vaccine is available for N. gonorrhoeae. Recently, the outer membrane vesicle (OMV) meningococcal B vaccine, MeNZB, was reported to be associated with reduced rates of gonorrhoea following a mass vaccination campaign in New Zealand. To probe the basis for this protection, we assessed the cross-reactivity to N. gonorrhoeae of serum raised to the meningococcal vaccine Bexsero, which contains the MeNZB OMV component plus 3 recombinant antigens (Neisseria adhesin A, factor H binding protein [fHbp]-GNA2091, and Neisserial heparin binding antigen [NHBA]-GNA1030). Methods A bioinformatic analysis was performed to assess the similarity of MeNZB OMV and Bexsero antigens to gonococcal proteins. Rabbits were immunized with the OMV component or the 3 recombinant antigens of Bexsero, and Western blots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to assess the generation of antibodies recognizing N. gonorrhoeae. Serum from humans immunized with Bexsero was investigated to assess the nature of the anti-gonococcal response. Results There is a high level of sequence identity between MeNZB OMV and Bexsero OMV antigens, and between the antigens and gonococcal proteins. NHBA is the only Bexsero recombinant antigen that is conserved and surfaced exposed in N. gonorrhoeae. Bexsero induces antibodies in humans that recognize gonococcal proteins. Conclusions The anti-gonococcal antibodies induced by MeNZB-like OMV proteins could explain the previously-seen decrease in gonorrhoea following MeNZB vaccination. The high level of human anti-gonococcal NHBA antibodies generated by Bexsero vaccination may provide additional cross-protection against gonorrhoea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny A Semchenko
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Aimee Tan
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ray Borrow
- Vaccine Evaluation Unit, Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, United Kingdom
| | - Kate L Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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20
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Methods to evaluate serogroup B meningococcal vaccines: From predictions to real-world evidence. J Infect 2020; 81:862-872. [PMID: 32745637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2020.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Serogroup B meningococci (MenB) remain a prominent cause of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). The protein-based multicomponent 4CMenB and the bivalent MenB-FHbp are the only currently available vaccines against MenB-caused IMD. Efficacy studies are not possible, due to the low incidence of IMD. Therefore, the vaccines' immunogenicity has been evaluated against several target strains chosen to quantify complement-mediated killing induced by each vaccine component in the serum bactericidal antibody assay. However, due to the wide genetic diversity and different expression levels of vaccine antigens across MenB strains, vaccine performance may differ from one strain to another. Here, we review the methods used to predict MenB strain coverage for 4CMenB and MenB-FHbp. Phenotypic assays such as the meningococcal antigen typing system (MATS, 4CMenB-specific) and the flow cytometric meningococcal antigen surface expression assay (MEASURE; MenB-FHbp-specific) were developed. Genomic approaches are also available, such as genetic MATS (gMATS) and the Bexsero antigen sequence type (BAST) scheme, both 4CMenB-specific. All methods allow tentative predictions of coverage across MenB strains, including that afforded by each vaccine antigen, and are rapid and reproducible. Real-world data on vaccine effectiveness are needed to confirm predictions obtained by these methods.
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21
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Leo S, Lazarevic V, Girard M, Getaz-Jimenez Velasco GC, Gaïa N, Renzi G, Cherkaoui A, Hong E, Taha MK, Schrenzel J. Strain coverage of Bexsero vaccine assessed by whole-genome sequencing over a cohort of invasive meningococci of serogroups B and W isolated in Switzerland. Vaccine 2020; 38:5324-5331. [PMID: 32561121 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.05.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), caused by Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) strains, is a life-threatening but vaccine-preventable condition. Bexsero is a four-component vaccine that offers broad protection against Nm of serogroup B (NmB), particularly common in Europe. In Switzerland, Bexsero has not yet been licensed and no information is available concerning the predicted vaccine coverage on isolates of circulating Nm. We performed genotyping of Bexsero antigen loci by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on 104 NmB collected in Switzerland in the 2010-2015 period. We searched for antigen variants previously defined as predictors of strain coverage and estimated that 50% of IMD NmB strains were potentially covered by the vaccine. Clonal complexes (cc) 32, 41/44 and 269, considered the best covered lineages, were further sub-typed according to Bexsero Antigen Sequence Type (BAST) scheme. We also genotyped by WGS 40 Nm of serogroup W (NmW) collected in the country between 2010 and 2016. NmW cc22 isolates appeared to be covered by the vaccine, which was not the case for cc11 isolates, whose incidence has recently increased in Switzerland and all over Europe. Our work underlines the benefit of using WGS for surveillance of vaccine antigen variant distribution in local Nm population and taking proper measures to prevent the spread of NmB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Leo
- Genomic Research Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vladimir Lazarevic
- Genomic Research Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Myriam Girard
- Genomic Research Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gisela C Getaz-Jimenez Velasco
- Swiss National Reference Center for Meningococci (www.meningo.ch), Bacteriology Laboratory, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Gaïa
- Genomic Research Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gesuele Renzi
- Swiss National Reference Center for Meningococci (www.meningo.ch), Bacteriology Laboratory, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Abdessalam Cherkaoui
- Swiss National Reference Center for Meningococci (www.meningo.ch), Bacteriology Laboratory, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eva Hong
- Invasive Bacterial Infection and National Reference Centre for Meningococci, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Muhamed-Kheir Taha
- Invasive Bacterial Infection and National Reference Centre for Meningococci, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Schrenzel
- Genomic Research Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss National Reference Center for Meningococci (www.meningo.ch), Bacteriology Laboratory, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
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22
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Semchenko EA, Day CJ, Seib KL. The Neisseria gonorrhoeae Vaccine Candidate NHBA Elicits Antibodies That Are Bactericidal, Opsonophagocytic and That Reduce Gonococcal Adherence to Epithelial Cells. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E219. [PMID: 32414194 PMCID: PMC7349534 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the continuing emergence of multidrug resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae there is an urgent need for the development of a gonococcal vaccine. We evaluated the gonococcal Neisseria heparin binding antigen (NHBA) as a potential vaccine candidate, in terms of its sequence conservation and expression in a range of N. gonorrhoeae strains, as well as its immunogenicity and the functional activity of antibodies raised to either the full length NHBA or a C-terminal fragment of NHBA (NHBA-c). The gene encoding NHBA is highly conserved and expressed in all N. gonorrhoeae strains investigated. Recombinant NHBA is immunogenic, and mice immunized with either NHBA or NHBA-c adjuvanted with either Freund's or aluminium hydroxide (alum) generated a humoral immune response, with predominantly IgG1 antibodies. Antibodies generated by both NHBA and NHBA-c antigens promoted complement activation and mediated bacterial killing via both serum bactericidal activity and opsonophagocytic activity, with slightly higher titers seen for the NHBA-c antigen. Anti-NHBA was also able to block the functional activity of NHBA by reducing binding to heparin and adherence to cervical and urethral epithelial cells. These data suggest that the gonococcal NHBA is a promising vaccine antigen to include in a vaccine to control N. gonorrhoeae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kate L. Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4215, Australia; (E.A.S.); (C.J.D.)
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Culture-Confirmed Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Canada, 2010 to 2014: Characterization of Serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis Strains and Their Predicted Coverage by the 4CMenB Vaccine. mSphere 2020; 5:5/2/e00883-19. [PMID: 32132156 PMCID: PMC7056808 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00883-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Laboratory surveillance of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is important to our understanding of the evolving nature of the Neisseria meningitidis strain types causing the disease and the potential coverage of disease strains by the newly developed vaccines. This study examined the molecular epidemiology of culture-confirmed IMD cases in Canada by examining the strain types and the potential coverage of a newly licensed 4CMenB vaccine on Canadian serogroup B N. meningitidis strains. The strain types identified in different parts of Canada appeared to be unique as well as their predicted coverage by the 4CMenB vaccine. These data were compared to data obtained from previous studies done in Canada and elsewhere globally. For effective control of IMD, laboratory surveillance of this type was found to be essential and useful to understand the dynamic nature of this disease. The molecular epidemiology of culture-confirmed invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Canada from 2010 to 2014 was studied with an emphasis on serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis (MenB) isolates, including their predicted coverage by the 4CMenB vaccine. The mean annual incidence rates of culture confirmed IMD varied from 0.19/100,000 in Ontario to 0.50/100,000 in New Brunswick and 0.59/100,000 in Quebec. In both Quebec and Atlantic region, MenB was significantly more common than other serogroups, while in other provinces, both MenB and serogroup Y (MenY) were almost equally common. The majority of MenB cases (67.0%) were in those aged ≤24 years, while most MenC (75.0%) and MenY (69.6%) cases were in adults more than 24 years old. The 349 MenB isolates were grouped into 103 sequence types (STs), 90 of which belonged to 13 clonal complexes (CCs). A large number of 4CMenB antigen genes were found among the Canadian MenB, which is predicted to encode 50 factor H binding protein (fHbp) types, 40 NHBA types, and 55 PorA genotypes. Provinces and regions were found to have their own unique MenB STs. A meningococcal antigen typing system assay predicted an overall MenB coverage by 4CMenB to be 73.6%, with higher coverage predicted for the two most common STs: 100% for ST154 and 95.9% for ST269, leading to higher coverage in both the Atlantic region and Quebec. Higher coverage (81.4%) was also found for MenB recovered from persons aged 15 to 24 years, followed by strains from infants and children ≤4 years old (75.2%) and those aged 5 to 14 years (75.0%). IMPORTANCE Laboratory surveillance of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is important to our understanding of the evolving nature of the Neisseria meningitidis strain types causing the disease and the potential coverage of disease strains by the newly developed vaccines. This study examined the molecular epidemiology of culture-confirmed IMD cases in Canada by examining the strain types and the potential coverage of a newly licensed 4CMenB vaccine on Canadian serogroup B N. meningitidis strains. The strain types identified in different parts of Canada appeared to be unique as well as their predicted coverage by the 4CMenB vaccine. These data were compared to data obtained from previous studies done in Canada and elsewhere globally. For effective control of IMD, laboratory surveillance of this type was found to be essential and useful to understand the dynamic nature of this disease.
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Balmer P, Beeslaar J, Findlow J, Srivastava A. Understanding immunogenicity assessments for meningococcal serogroup B vaccines. Postgrad Med 2020; 132:184-191. [PMID: 32124678 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2019.1696582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a potentially devastating infection associated with high mortality and long-term sequelae; however, vaccines are available to protect against the five common disease-causing serogroups (A, B, C, W, and Y). Because traditional field efficacy clinical trials were not feasible due to low IMD incidence that necessitates a very large number of participants, serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) assays using rabbit (rSBA) or human (hSBA) complement were established as in vitro surrogates of meningococcal vaccine efficacy and are now routinely used to support vaccine licensure. Specifically, rSBA assays have been used to evaluate responses to meningococcal capsular polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines against serogroups A, C, W, and Y; the accepted correlate of protection for rSBA assays is a titer ≥1:8. Importantly, because the bacterial capsular polysaccharide antigen is conserved across strains, only one test strain that expresses an invariant polysaccharide capsule for each serogroup is required to assess coverage. rSBA assays are unsuitable for subcapsular protein-based serogroup B (MenB) vaccines, and therefore, hSBA assays have been used for licensure; titers ≥1:4 are considered the correlate of protection against IMD for hSBA. In contrast to MenACWY vaccines, because bacterial surface proteins are antigenically variable, MenB vaccines must be tested with hSBA assays using multiple test strains that represent the antigenic diversity of disease-causing isolates. As this complexity regarding SBA assessment methods can make data interpretation difficult, herein we describe the use of hSBA assays to evaluate MenB vaccine efficacy and to support licensure. In addition, we highlight how the two recently approved MenB vaccines differ in their use of hSBA assays in clinical studies to demonstrate broad protection against MenB IMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Balmer
- Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific & Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | | | - Jamie Findlow
- Vaccine Medical & Scientific Affairs, Pfizer Ltd, Tadworth, UK
| | - Amit Srivastava
- Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific & Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
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Waśko I, Gołębiewska A, Kiedrowska M, Ronkiewicz P, Wróbel-Pawelczyk I, Kuch A, Hong E, Skoczyńska A. Genetic variability of Polish serogroup B meningococci (2010-2016) including the 4CMenB vaccine component genes. Vaccine 2020; 38:1943-1952. [PMID: 31980191 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MenB) has recently become the major cause of invasive meningococcal disease in Poland. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize MenB isolates, responsible for invasive meningococcal disease in 2010-2016, by MLST and sequencing of genes encoding proteins used as 4CMenB vaccine antigens. Two methods of coverage estimation were performed: extrapolation of MATS results of Polish meningococci 2010-2011 (exMATS) and gMATS, which combines genotyping and MATS results. Among 662 isolates 20 clonal complexes (CC) were detected, of which the most frequent were CC32, CC41/44 and CC18, accounting for 31.9%, 16.5% and 12.7%, respectively. A total of 111 combinations of PorA variable regions (VR1/VR2) were found, with P1.7,16 (15.0%) and P1.22,14 (13.6%) being prevalent. Vaccine variant VR2:4 was detected in 7.3% of isolates, mainly representing CC41/44 and non-assigned CC. Eighty five fHbp alleles encoding 74 peptide subvariants were revealed. Subvariant 1.1, a component of 4CMenB, was prevalent (24.2%) and found generally in CC32. Typing of the nhba gene revealed 102 alleles encoding 87 peptides. The most frequent was peptide 3 (22.4%), whereas vaccine peptide 2 was detected in 9.8%, mostly among CC41/44. The nadA gene was detected in 34.0% of isolates and the most prevalent was peptide 1 (variant NadA-1; 71.6%), found almost exclusively in CC32 meningococci. Vaccine peptide 8 (variant NadA-2/3) was identified once. Consequently, 292 completed BAST profiles were revealed. Regarding vaccine coverage, 39.7% of isolates had at least one 4CMenB vaccine variant, but according to exMATS and gMATS the coverage was 83.3% and 86.6%, respectively. In conclusion, Polish MenB (2010-2016) was highly diverse according to MLST and gene alleles encoding 4CMenB vaccine antigens. Some correlations between clonal complexes and variants of examined proteins/BAST profiles were revealed and a high coverage of 4CMenB vaccine was estimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Waśko
- National Reference Centre for Bacterial Meningitis, National Medicines Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gołębiewska
- National Reference Centre for Bacterial Meningitis, National Medicines Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marlena Kiedrowska
- National Reference Centre for Bacterial Meningitis, National Medicines Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Patrycja Ronkiewicz
- National Reference Centre for Bacterial Meningitis, National Medicines Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Izabela Wróbel-Pawelczyk
- National Reference Centre for Bacterial Meningitis, National Medicines Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Kuch
- National Reference Centre for Bacterial Meningitis, National Medicines Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Eva Hong
- Institute Pasteur, Invasive Bacterial Infections Unit, Paris, France
| | - Anna Skoczyńska
- National Reference Centre for Bacterial Meningitis, National Medicines Institute, Warsaw, Poland
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Burman C, Alderfer J, Snow VT. A review of the immunogenicity, safety and current recommendations for the meningococcal serogroup B vaccine, MenB-FHbp. J Clin Pharm Ther 2019; 45:270-281. [PMID: 31820483 DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.13083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE This review describes invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) epidemiology in the United States, provides a brief overview of available meningococcal vaccines and discusses meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccine development. Particular focus is given to the recombinant protein MenB vaccine, MenB-FHbp (Trumenba® , bivalent rLP2086) in light of recent publication of phase 3 data; the other MenB vaccine (Bexsero® , MenB-4C) has been recently reviewed. Current recommendations of the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for MenB vaccination and potential barriers to immunization are also discussed. METHODS Using the published literature, this article reviews the development and use of MenB-FHbp to date, with a focus on the United States. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Despite the availability of medical treatment, IMD is associated with significant mortality and frequently occurring serious permanent sequelae in surviving individuals. Worldwide, most IMD is caused by six serogroups (A, B, C, W, X and Y). MenB is the most common disease-causing meningococcal serogroup in the United States and has caused several recent university-based IMD outbreaks. MenB vaccines, including MenB-FHbp, are available in the United States. ACIP recommends that all individuals ≥10 years of age at increased risk for meningococcal disease receive MenB vaccination; healthy individuals 16-23 years of age are recommended MenB vaccines based on individual clinical decision-making. MenB-FHbp is used on a 2-dose schedule (0, 6 months) when vaccinating healthy individuals and on a tailored 3-dose schedule (0, 1-2, 6 months) in cases of increased risk. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION Because vaccination provides the most effective protection against IMD, pharmacists are in an excellent position to offer evidence-based vaccine information, as well as to encourage and provide meningococcal immunizations to adolescents and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Burman
- Pfizer Vaccines Medical Development & Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Justine Alderfer
- Pfizer Vaccines Medical Development & Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Vincenza T Snow
- Pfizer Vaccines Medical Development & Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
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Rivero-Calle I, Raguindin PF, Gómez-Rial J, Rodriguez-Tenreiro C, Martinón-Torres F. Meningococcal Group B Vaccine For The Prevention Of Invasive Meningococcal Disease Caused By Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup B. Infect Drug Resist 2019; 12:3169-3188. [PMID: 31632103 PMCID: PMC6793463 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s159952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a major public health concern because of its high case fatality, long-term morbidity, and potential to course with outbreaks. IMD caused by Nesseira meningitidis serogroup B has been predominant in different regions of the world like Europe and only recently broadly protective vaccines against B serogroup have become available. Two protein-based vaccines, namely 4CMenB (Bexsero®) and rLP2086 (Trumenba®) are currently licensed for use in different countries against MenB disease. These vaccines came from a novel technology on vaccine design (or antigen selection) using highly specific antigen targets identified through whole-genome sequence analysis. Moreover, it has the potential to confer protection against non-B meningococcus and against other Neisserial species such as gonococcus. Real-world data on the vaccine-use are rapidly accumulating from the UK and other countries which used the vaccine for control of outbreak or as part of routine immunization program, reiterating its safety and efficacy. Additional data on real-life effectiveness, long-term immunity, and eventual herd effects, including estimates on vaccine impact for cost-effectiveness assessment are further needed. Given the predominance of MenB in Europe and other parts of the world, these new vaccines are crucial for the prevention and public health control of the disease, and should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Rivero-Calle
- Translational Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
- Genetics, Vaccines and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group (GENVIP), Hospital Clínico Universitario and Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Galicia, Spain
| | - Peter Francis Raguindin
- Genetics, Vaccines and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group (GENVIP), Hospital Clínico Universitario and Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Galicia, Spain
| | - Jose Gómez-Rial
- Genetics, Vaccines and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group (GENVIP), Hospital Clínico Universitario and Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Galicia, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodriguez-Tenreiro
- Genetics, Vaccines and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group (GENVIP), Hospital Clínico Universitario and Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Galicia, Spain
| | - Federico Martinón-Torres
- Translational Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
- Genetics, Vaccines and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group (GENVIP), Hospital Clínico Universitario and Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Galicia, Spain
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Distribution of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup b (NmB) vaccine antigens in meningococcal disease causing isolates in the United States during 2009-2014, prior to NmB vaccine licensure. J Infect 2019; 79:426-434. [PMID: 31505201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2019.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Two Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (NmB) vaccines are licensed in the United States. To estimate their potential coverage, we examined the vaccine antigen diversity among meningococcal isolates prior to vaccine licensure. METHODS NmB vaccine antigen genes of invasive isolates collected in the U.S. from 2009 to 2014 were characterized by Sanger or whole-genome sequencing. RESULTS During 2009-2014, the predominant antigen types have remained similar to those reported in 2000-2008 for NmB and 2006-2008 for NmC, NmY, with the emergence of a few new types. FHbp of subfamily B or variant 1 (B/v1) remained prevalent among NmB whereas FHbp of subfamily A or variant 2 and 3 (A/v2-3) were more prevalent among non-NmB. FHbp peptide 1 (B24/1.1) remains the most prevalent type in NmB. Full-length NadA peptide was detected in 26% of isolates, primarily in NmB and NmW. The greatest diversity of NhbA peptides was detected among NmB, with p0005 as the most prevalent type. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence and diversity of the NmB vaccine antigens have remained stable with common antigen types persisting over time. The data collected prior to NmB vaccine licensure provide the baseline to understand the potential impact of NmB vaccines on antigen diversity and strain coverage.
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Martinón-Torres F, Nolan T, Toneatto D, Banzhoff A. Persistence of the immune response after 4CMenB vaccination, and the response to an additional booster dose in infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019; 15:2940-2951. [PMID: 31246520 PMCID: PMC6930112 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1627159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The multicomponent meningococcal serogroup B vaccine, 4CMenB, has demonstrated effectiveness in preventing invasive MenB disease in infants and in controlling MenB outbreaks. The need for/timing of additional booster doses is not yet established. We reviewed eight studies that evaluated antibody persistence and booster following primary 4CMenB vaccination of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Putative seroprotective hSBA titers for ≥1 vaccine antigen were maintained by 76-100% of children 24-36 months after priming during infancy and in 84-100% after priming in the second year of life. hSBA levels were higher in vaccinees at 4 and 7.5 years following priming during adolescence than in vaccine-naïve individuals of a similar age. Antibodies persisted at higher levels to NHBA and NadA than to PorA or fHbp. Booster vaccination induced robust anamnestic responses, demonstrating effective priming by 4CMenB across age-groups. These data can inform decision-making to optimize vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Martinón-Torres
- Translational Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases Section, Pediatrics Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Terry Nolan
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, and Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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McDaniel A, Dempsey A, Srivastava A. A physician's guide to the 2-dose schedule of MenB-FHbp vaccine. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019; 15:2729-2737. [PMID: 30932730 PMCID: PMC6930067 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1596711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) is the predominant cause of invasive meningococcal disease in the United States, with older adolescents and young adults attending college at increased risk. Notably, MenB caused all meningococcal disease outbreaks at US colleges between 2011 and 2018. MenB disease is vaccine-preventable. The MenB-FHbp vaccine can be administered on a 2-dose (0 and 6 months) schedule to healthy adolescents and young adults or as a tailored 3-dose (0, 1-2, and 6 months) schedule for individuals at increased risk. This review focuses on the 2-dose schedule (0 and 6 months) of MenB-FHbp. Clinical evidence demonstrating strong and broadly protective immunogenicity in adolescents after primary vaccination, immune persistence up to 48 months post-primary vaccination (18-61% of subjects across schedules), and immune memory evidenced by robust response to a single booster dose are described. Implementation approaches to ensure adolescents and young adults are fully vaccinated against meningococcal disease are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angee McDaniel
- Medical Development, Scientific & Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Amanda Dempsey
- University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Amit Srivastava
- Medical Development, Scientific & Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Potential benefits of using a multicomponent vaccine for prevention of serogroup B meningococcal disease. Int J Infect Dis 2019; 85:22-27. [PMID: 31102824 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) has become the main cause of invasive meningococcal disease in industrialized countries in recent years. The diversity of MenB strains and poor immunogenicity of the MenB capsular polysaccharide have made vaccine development challenging. Two MenB vaccines, including factor H binding protein (fHbp) as a major antigenic component, are now licensed for use. In addition to fHbp variant 1, the multicomponent vaccine 4CMenB contains neisserial heparin binding antigen, Neisseria adhesin A, and outer membrane vesicles containing porin A. The vast majority of circulating MenB strains contain genes encoding at least one 4CMenB component and many express genes for more than one vaccine antigen. Recent studies have suggested that serum bactericidal activity is enhanced against strains that express two or more vaccine antigens. Bacterial killing may also occur when antibodies to vaccine components are collectively present at levels that would individually be sub-lethal. The evaluation of immune responses to separate vaccine components does not take cooperative activity into account and may underestimate the overall protection. Available data on 4CMenB effectiveness indicate that this multicomponent vaccine affords broad coverage and protection against MenB disease. 4CMenB also has the potential to protect against disease caused by non-MenB meningococci and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
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32
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Marshall GS, Dempsey AF, Srivastava A, Isturiz RE. US College Students Are at Increased Risk for Serogroup B Meningococcal Disease. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2019; 9:244-247. [PMID: 31077326 PMCID: PMC7192401 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piz024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Publicly available surveillance data, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, and other sources suggest that college students in the United States are at increased risk for meningococcus serogroup B (MenB) disease. US surveillance data from 2015 to 2017 show that the incidence of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) was greater among college students than among those not attending college; the average annual incidence of MenB disease was >5-fold higher among college students, and all college IMD outbreaks between 2011 and March 2019 were caused by MenB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary S Marshall
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky,Correspondence: G. S. Marshall, MD, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 571 S. Floyd St, Suite 321, Louisville, KY 40202 ()
| | - Amanda F Dempsey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Amit Srivastava
- Pfizer Vaccines Medical Development, Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Raul E Isturiz
- Pfizer Vaccines Medical Development, Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
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Masignani V, Pizza M, Moxon ER. The Development of a Vaccine Against Meningococcus B Using Reverse Vaccinology. Front Immunol 2019; 10:751. [PMID: 31040844 PMCID: PMC6477034 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of vaccine antigens through whole genome sequencing (WGS) contrasts with the classical hypothesis-driven laboratory-based analysis of microbes to identify components to elicit protective immunity. This radical change in scientific direction and action in vaccine research is captured in the term reverse vaccinology. The complete genome sequence of an isolate of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MenB) was systematically analyzed to identify proteins predicted to be secreted or exported to the outer membrane. This identified hundreds of genes coding for potential surface-exposed antigens. These were amplified, cloned in expression vectors and used to immunize mice. Antisera against 350 recombinant antigens were obtained and analyzed in a panel of immunological assays from which 28 were selected as potentially protective based on the -antibody dependent, complement mediated- serum bactericidal activity assay. Testing of these candidate vaccine antigens, using a large globally representative strain collection of Neisseria species isolated from cases of disease and carriage, indicated that no single component would be sufficient to induce broad coverage and that a “universal” vaccine should contain multiple antigens. The final choice of antigens to be included was based on cross-protective ability, assayed by serum bactericidal activity and maximum coverage of the extensive antigenic variability of MenB strains. The resulting multivalent vaccine formulation selected consisted of three recombinant antigens (Neisserial Heparin Binding Antigen or NHBA, Factor H binding protein or fHbp and Neisseria Adhesin A or NadA). To improve immunogenicity and potential strain coverage, an outer membrane vesicle component obtained from the epidemic New Zealand strain (OMVNz) was added to the formulation to create a four component vaccine, called 4CMenB. A series of phase 2 and 3 clinical trials were conducted to evaluate safety and tolerability and to estimate the vaccine effectiveness of human immune responses at different ages and how these were affected by various factors including concomitant vaccine use and lot-to-lot consistency. 4CMenB was approved in Europe in 2013 and introduced in the National Immunization Program in the UK starting from September 2015 when the vaccine was offered to all newborns using a 2, 4, and 12 months schedule., The effectiveness against invasive MenB disease measured at 11 months after the study start and 5 months after the second vaccination was 83% and there have been no safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - E Richard Moxon
- Department of Pediatrics, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Watson PS, Novy P, Bekkat-Berkani R, Strubbe F, Banzhoff A. Optimizing the timing of 4CMenB vaccination in adolescents and young adults based on immune persistence and booster response data. Expert Rev Vaccines 2019; 18:343-352. [PMID: 30741040 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2019.1580579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Meningococcal disease has an incidence peak spread over several years during adolescence and young adulthood in the United States. Meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccines have been introduced relatively recently and may help protect individuals in these age groups. Currently there is insufficient long-term experience to determine the duration of disease protection after any MenB vaccine. Understanding antibody persistence after primary vaccination and responses to booster can help inform MenB vaccination strategies and optimize disease prevention. Areas covered: Four studies in adolescents/young adults vaccinated with meningococcal B vaccine 4CMenB were reviewed with the aim to compare findings across studies and draw key learnings. The studies varied by geographic location, population characteristics, and timing of antibody measurement relative to primary vaccination. Expert opinion: Antibody persistence data for 4CMenB are substantial, extending 7.5 years post-primary vaccination. Vaccination at age 16-18 years may help protect adolescents throughout their highest age-based risk period. Similar robust responses to a single booster dose were observed 4 and 7.5 years after primary vaccination. In outbreak settings it is beneficial to have received prior vaccination; residual circulating antibodies may provide protection, and a single dose induces booster responses within 7 days, which is quicker than administration of a 2-dose series to vaccine-naïve individuals.
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Muzzi A, Brozzi A, Serino L, Bodini M, Abad R, Caugant D, Comanducci M, Lemos AP, Gorla MC, Křížová P, Mikula C, Mulhall R, Nissen M, Nohynek H, Simões MJ, Skoczyńska A, Stefanelli P, Taha MK, Toropainen M, Tzanakaki G, Vadivelu-Pechai K, Watson P, Vazquez JA, Rajam G, Rappuoli R, Borrow R, Medini D. Genetic Meningococcal Antigen Typing System (gMATS): A genotyping tool that predicts 4CMenB strain coverage worldwide. Vaccine 2019; 37:991-1000. [PMID: 30661831 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.12.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Meningococcal Antigen Typing System (MATS) was developed to identify meningococcus group B strains with a high likelihood of being covered by the 4CMenB vaccine, but is limited by the requirement for viable isolates from culture-confirmed cases. We examined if antigen genotyping could complement MATS in predicting strain coverage by the 4CMenB vaccine. METHODS From a panel of 3912 MATS-typed invasive meningococcal disease isolates collected in England and Wales in 2007-2008, 2014-2015 and 2015-2016, and in 16 other countries in 2000-2015, 3481 isolates were also characterized by antigen genotyping. Individual associations between antigen genotypes and MATS coverage for each 4CMenB component were used to define a genetic MATS (gMATS). gMATS estimates were compared with England and Wales human complement serum bactericidal assay (hSBA) data and vaccine effectiveness (VE) data from England. RESULTS Overall, 81% of the strain panel had genetically predictable MATS coverage, with 92% accuracy and highly concordant results across national panels (Lin's accuracy coefficient, 0.98; root-mean-square deviation, 6%). England and Wales strain coverage estimates were 72-73% by genotyping (66-73% by MATS), underestimating hSBA values after four vaccine doses (88%) and VE after two doses (83%). The gMATS predicted strain coverage in other countries was 58-88%. CONCLUSIONS gMATS can replace MATS in predicting 4CMenB strain coverage in four out of five cases, without requiring a cultivable isolate, and is open to further improvement. Both methods underestimated VE in England. Strain coverage predictions in other countries matched or exceeded England and Wales estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Raquel Abad
- National Centre for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | - Pavla Křížová
- National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Claudia Mikula
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Graz, Austria.
| | - Robert Mulhall
- Irish Meningitis and Sepsis Reference Laboratory (IMSRL), Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Michael Nissen
- Queensland Paediatric Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Children's Health Research Centre, University of Queensland, Lady Cilento Children's Hospital South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Hanna Nohynek
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | | | - Paola Stefanelli
- Department of Infectious Parasitic and Immune-mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Maija Toropainen
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Georgina Tzanakaki
- National Meningitis Reference Laboratory, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece.
| | | | | | - Julio A Vazquez
- National Centre for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | | | - Ray Borrow
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK.
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Potential Coverage of the 4CMenB Vaccine against Invasive Serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis Isolated from 2009 to 2013 in the Republic of Ireland. mSphere 2018; 3:3/4/e00196-18. [PMID: 30135218 PMCID: PMC6106058 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00196-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The meningococcal antigen typing system (MATS) is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that measures both the levels of expression and the immune reactivity of the three recombinant 4CMenB antigens. Together with PorA variable-region sequence data, this system provides an estimation of how susceptible MenB isolates are to killing by 4CMenB vaccine-induced antibodies. Assays based on subcapsular antigen phenotype analyses, such as MATS, are important in situations where conventional vaccine coverage estimations are not possible. Subcapsular antigens are typically highly diverse across strains, and vaccine coverage estimations would require unfeasibly large efficacy trials and screening of an exhaustive strain panel for antibody functional activity. Here, MATS was applied to all invasive meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) strains isolated over four consecutive epidemiological years (n = 105) and predicted reasonably high 4CMenB vaccine coverage in the Republic of Ireland. Neisseria meningitidis is a common cause of bacterial meningitis in children and young adults worldwide. The 4CMenB vaccine (Bexsero), developed to combat meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) disease, contains subcapsular antigens that may induce immunity against strains of N. meningitidis, regardless of serogroup. Owing to differential levels of expression and peptide diversity in vaccine antigens across meningococcal strains, the meningococcal antigen typing system (MATS) was developed to estimate the potential MenB strain coverage of 4CMenB. Prior to introducing the 4CMenB vaccine into routine use, we sought to estimate the potential 4CMenB coverage against invasive MenB strains isolated in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) over four consecutive epidemiological years. MATS was applied to a panel of 105 invasive MenB strains isolated during July 2009 to June 2013. Sequence data characterizing the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) alleles and the major 4CMenB target peptides were extracted from isolate genome sequence data, hosted in the Bacterial Isolate Sequencing database (BIGSdb). MATS data indicated that 4CMenB may induce protective immunity against 69.5% (95% confidence interval [CI95%], 64.8% to 84.8%) of circulating MenB strains. Estimated coverage was highest against the most prevalent disease-causing lineage, cc41/44, where the most frequently observed sequence types, ST-154 and ST-41 (21% of isolates, collectively), were typically covered by three antigens. No significant temporal trends were observed. Overall, these data provide a baseline of strain coverage prior to the introduction of 4CMenB and indicate that a decrease in invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is predicted following the introduction of 4CMenB into the routine infant immunization schedule in the RoI. IMPORTANCE The meningococcal antigen typing system (MATS) is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that measures both the levels of expression and the immune reactivity of the three recombinant 4CMenB antigens. Together with PorA variable-region sequence data, this system provides an estimation of how susceptible MenB isolates are to killing by 4CMenB vaccine-induced antibodies. Assays based on subcapsular antigen phenotype analyses, such as MATS, are important in situations where conventional vaccine coverage estimations are not possible. Subcapsular antigens are typically highly diverse across strains, and vaccine coverage estimations would require unfeasibly large efficacy trials and screening of an exhaustive strain panel for antibody functional activity. Here, MATS was applied to all invasive meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) strains isolated over four consecutive epidemiological years (n = 105) and predicted reasonably high 4CMenB vaccine coverage in the Republic of Ireland.
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Welsch JA, Senders S, Essink B, Klein T, Smolenov I, Pedotti P, Barbi S, Verma B, Toneatto D. Breadth of coverage against a panel of 110 invasive disease isolates, immunogenicity and safety for 2 and 3 doses of an investigational MenABCWY vaccine in US adolescents - Results from a randomized, controlled, observer-blind phase II study. Vaccine 2018; 36:5309-5317. [PMID: 30061029 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, B, C, W and Y cause most meningococcal disease worldwide. An investigational MenABCWY vaccine combining serogroup B antigens and a meningococcal ACWY CRM197-glycoconjugate vaccine (MenACWY-CRM) could provide protection against all 5 serogroups. Complement mediated bactericidal activity induced by MenABCWY was tested against a panel of 110 randomly-selected serogroup B strains causing invasive disease in the US to evaluate the vaccine's breadth of coverage (BoC). METHODS We conducted this observer-blind study (NCT02140762) and its extension (NCT02285777) in 8 centers in the US. Adolescents aged 10-18 years were randomized (1:1) to receive either 3 MenABCWY doses (MenABCWY group), on a 0, 2, 6-month (M) schedule or a single MenACWY-CRM dose at M2 and placebo at 0,6-M (Control group). MenABCWY BoC was calculated as (1 - relative risk) × 100 (relative risk = ratio between the percentage of samples seronegative at 1:4 dilution against the selected strains in the MenABCWY vs Control group). BoC was determined at 1 M and 4 M after 2 and 3 doses, using an endogenous complement serum bactericidal assay. Immunogenicity and safety were assessed. RESULTS 301 and 189 adolescents were vaccinated in the parent and extension study, respectively. At 1 M post-vaccination, the BoC of MenABCWY across the 110 serogroup B strains was 67% (95%CI: 65-69) after 2 doses and 71% (95%CI: 69-73) after 3 doses. BoC decreased to 44% (95%CI: 41-47) and 51% (95%CI: 48-55) at 4 M after 2 and 3 MenABCWY doses, respectively. Robust immune responses to antigen-specific test strains for each serogroup were observed at all timepoints in the MenABCWY group. No reactogenicity or safety concerns arose during the study. CONCLUSION Two or 3 doses of MenABCWY showed similar BoC against the panel of invasive US serogroup B isolates and comparable immunogenicity against the antigen-specific test strains, with no safety concerns identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Anne Welsch
- GSK, 14200 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, MD 20850, United States.
| | - Shelly Senders
- Senders Pediatrics, 2054 South Green Road, South Euclid, OH 44121, United States.
| | - Brandon Essink
- Meridian Clinical Research, 3323 N 107th St, Omaha, NE 68134, United States.
| | - Thomas Klein
- Family Medicine East, Chtd, 1709 S Rock Rd, Wichita, KS 67207-5150, United States.
| | - Igor Smolenov
- GSK, Hullenbergweg 81-89, 1101 CL Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Paola Pedotti
- GSK, Hullenbergweg 81-89, 1101 CL Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Silvia Barbi
- GSK, Hullenbergweg 81-89, 1101 CL Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Bikash Verma
- GSK, 350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, 02139 MA, United States.
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