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Dold C, Marsay L, Wang N, Silva-Reyes L, Clutterbuck E, Paterson GK, Sharkey K, Wyllie D, Beernink PT, Hill AV, Pollard AJ, Rollier CS. An adenoviral-vectored vaccine confers seroprotection against capsular group B meningococcal disease. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eade3901. [PMID: 37343082 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.ade3901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Adenoviral-vectored vaccines are licensed for prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Ebola virus, but, for bacterial proteins, expression in a eukaryotic cell may affect the antigen's localization and conformation or lead to unwanted glycosylation. Here, we investigated the potential use of an adenoviral-vectored vaccine platform for capsular group B meningococcus (MenB). Vector-based candidate vaccines expressing MenB antigen factor H binding protein (fHbp) were generated, and immunogenicity was assessed in mouse models, including the functional antibody response by serum bactericidal assay (SBA) using human complement. All adenovirus-based vaccine candidates induced high antigen-specific antibody and T cell responses. A single dose induced functional serum bactericidal responses with titers superior or equal to those induced by two doses of protein-based comparators, as well as longer persistence and a similar breadth. The fHbp transgene was further optimized for human use by incorporating a mutation abrogating binding to the human complement inhibitor factor H. The resulting vaccine candidate induced high and persistent SBA responses in transgenic mice expressing human factor H. The optimized transgene was inserted into the clinically relevant ChAdOx1 backbone, and this vaccine has now progressed to clinical development. The results of this preclinical vaccine development study underline the potential of vaccines based on genetic material to induce functional antibody responses against bacterial outer membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Dold
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, CCVTM, Churchill Lane, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Leanne Marsay
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, CCVTM, Churchill Lane, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Nelson Wang
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, CCVTM, Churchill Lane, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Laura Silva-Reyes
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, CCVTM, Churchill Lane, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Elizabeth Clutterbuck
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, CCVTM, Churchill Lane, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Gavin K Paterson
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Kelsey Sharkey
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - David Wyllie
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Peter T Beernink
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Adrian V Hill
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Andrew J Pollard
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, CCVTM, Churchill Lane, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Christine S Rollier
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, CCVTM, Churchill Lane, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
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2
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Mehta OH, Norheim G, Hoe JC, Rollier CS, Nagaputra JC, Makepeace K, Saleem M, Chan H, Ferguson DJP, Jones C, Sadarangani M, Hood DW, Feavers I, Derrick JP, Pollard AJ, Moxon ER. Adjuvant effects elicited by novel oligosaccharide variants of detoxified meningococcal lipopolysaccharides on Neisseria meningitidis recombinant PorA protein: a comparison in mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115713. [PMID: 25545241 PMCID: PMC4278719 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has adjuvant properties that can be exploited to assist vaccine immunogenicity. The modified penta-acylated LPS retains the adjuvant properties of hexa-acylated LPS but has a reduced toxicity profile. In this study we investigated whether two modified glycoform structures (LgtE and IcsB) of detoxified penta-acylated LPS exhibited differential adjuvant properties when formulated as native outer membrane vesicles (nOMVs) as compared to the previously described LgtB variant. Detoxified penta-acylated LPS was obtained by disruption of the lpxL1 gene (LpxL1 LPS), and three different glycoforms were obtained by disruption of the lgtB, lgtE or icsB genes respectively. Mice (mus musculus) were immunized with a recombinant PorA P1.7-2,4 (rPorA) protein co-administered with different nOMVs (containing a different PorA serosubtype P1.7,16), each of which expressed one of the three penta-acylated LPS glycoforms. All nOMVs induced IgG responses against the rPorA, but the nOMVs containing the penta-acylated LgtB-LpxL1 LPS glycoform induced significantly greater bactericidal activity compared to the other nOMVs or when the adjuvant was Alhydrogel. Compared to LgtE or IcsB LPS glycoforms, these data support the use of nOMVs containing detoxified, modified LgtB-LpxL1 LPS as a potential adjuvant for future meningococcal protein vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ojas H Mehta
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, and the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LE, United Kingdom
| | - Gunnstein Norheim
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, and the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LE, United Kingdom
| | - J Claire Hoe
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, and the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LE, United Kingdom
| | - Christine S Rollier
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, and the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LE, United Kingdom
| | - Jerry C Nagaputra
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, and the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LE, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Makepeace
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, and the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LE, United Kingdom
| | - Muhammad Saleem
- Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M139PT, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Chan
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute of Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3OG, United Kingdom
| | - David J P Ferguson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Jones
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, and the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LE, United Kingdom
| | - Manish Sadarangani
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, and the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LE, United Kingdom
| | - Derek W Hood
- Department of Paediatrics, Children's Hospital (John Radcliffe), Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Feavers
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute of Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3OG, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy P Derrick
- Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M139PT, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Pollard
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, and the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LE, United Kingdom
| | - E Richard Moxon
- The NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LE, United Kingdom
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3
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Law DKS, Zhou J, Deng S, Hoang L, Tyrrell G, Horsman G, Wylie J, Tsang RSW. Determination of serotyping antigens, clonal analysis and genetic characterization of the 4CMenB vaccine antigen genes in invasive Neisseria meningitidis from Western Canada, 2009 to 2013. J Med Microbiol 2014; 63:1490-1499. [PMID: 25165123 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.079921-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined invasive Neisseria meningitidis recovered from invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases in Western Canada between 2009 and 2013. A total of 161 isolates from individual IMD cases were analysed for serogroup, serotype, serosubtype, PorA genotype, multi-locus sequence type and nucleotide sequence of their 4CMenB vaccine antigen genes. Sixty-nine isolates were serogroup B (MenB), 47 were serogroup Y (MenY), 22 were serogroup C (MenC), 19 were serogroup W (MenW), three were serogroup E and one was non-encapsulated. MenC, MenY and MenW were mainly clonal, represented primarily by clonal complex (cc) 11, cc23 or cc167, and cc22, respectively. In contrast, MenB were composed of eight different ccs together with 11 isolates not assigned to any known cc. Antigenic analysis and PorA genotyping confirmed the heterogeneity of MenB isolates, while such results supported the clonal nature of most MenC, MenY and MenW isolates. Thirty-four (21.1%) isolates had at least one gene that encoded one matching vaccine protein component of the 4CMenB vaccine (i.e. PorA P1.4; fHbp variant 1.1; NHBA peptide 2; and NadA-1, -2, or -3). An additional 18 isolates had genes that encoded variant 1 or subfamily B factor H binding proteins of this same vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis K S Law
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Saul Deng
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Linda Hoang
- Public Health Microbiology and Reference Laboratory, BC Public Health Microbiology and Reference Laboratory, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gregory Tyrrell
- Provincial Laboratory for Public Health, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Greg Horsman
- Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - John Wylie
- Cadham Provincial Public Health Laboratory, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Raymond S W Tsang
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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SUN X, ZHOU H, XU L, YANG H, GAO Y, ZHU B, SHAO Z. Prevalence and genetic diversity of two adhesion-related genes, pilE and nadA, in Neisseria meningitidis in China. Epidemiol Infect 2013; 141:2163-72. [PMID: 23290624 PMCID: PMC9152637 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268812002944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2012] [Revised: 11/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The main Neisseria meningitidis adhesion molecules, type IV pili (Tfp) and Neisseria adhesion A (NadA), play important roles in the pathogenesis of invasive meningococcal disease. PilE is the major Tfp subunit. In this study, the prevalence and genetic diversity of pilE and nadA were investigated in the prevalent serogroups and clonal complexes (CC) of N. meningitidis isolated in China. All serogroup A strains belonging to CC1 and CC5 and all CC11 serogroup W135 strains were clustered into class II PilE clades. All serogroup C and most of serogroup B isolates except CC8 and ST5642 were class I PilE clades. Class II pilE sequences were highly conserved. All isolates belonging to class I PilE isolates were nadA negative. However, nadA-positive strains were exclusively found in CC5 and CC11 isolates (class II PilE). This study showed that PilE and NadA may be related to epidemic or endemic meningococcal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- X. SUN
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, and State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - H. ZHOU
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, and State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - L. XU
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, and State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - H. YANG
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, and State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Y. GAO
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, and State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - B. ZHU
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, and State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Z. SHAO
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, and State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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5
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Camacho AI, Irache JM, Gamazo C. Recent progress towards development of a Shigella vaccine. Expert Rev Vaccines 2013; 12:43-55. [PMID: 23256738 DOI: 10.1586/erv.12.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The burden of dysentery due to shigellosis among children in the developing world is still a major concern. A safe and efficacious vaccine against this disease is a priority, since no licensed vaccine is available. This review provides an update of vaccine achievements focusing on subunit vaccine strategies and the forthcoming strategies surrounding this approach. In particular, this review explores several aspects of the pathogenesis of shigellosis and the elicited immune response as being the basis of vaccine requirements. The use of appropriate Shigella antigens, together with the right adjuvants, may offer safety, efficacy and more convenient delivery methods for massive worldwide vaccination campaigns.
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6
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Mandal S, Wu HM, MacNeil JR, Machesky K, Garcia J, Plikaytis BD, Quinn K, King L, Schmink SE, Wang X, Mayer LW, Clark TA, Gaskell JR, Messonnier NE, DiOrio M, Cohn AC. Prolonged university outbreak of meningococcal disease associated with a serogroup B strain rarely seen in the United States. Clin Infect Dis 2013; 57:344-8. [PMID: 23595832 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cit243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND College students living in residential halls are at increased risk of meningococcal disease. Unlike that for serogroups prevented by quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines, public health response to outbreaks of serogroup B meningococcal disease is limited by lack of a US licensed vaccine. METHODS In March 2010, we investigated a prolonged outbreak of serogroup B disease associated with a university. In addition to case ascertainment, molecular typing of isolates was performed to characterize the outbreak. We conducted a matched case-control study to examine risk factors for serogroup B disease. Five controls per case, matched by college year, were randomly selected. Participants completed a risk factor questionnaire. Data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS Between January 2008 and November 2010, we identified 13 meningococcal disease cases (7 confirmed, 4 probable, and 2 suspected) involving 10 university students and 3 university-linked persons. One student died. Ten cases were determined to be serogroup B. Isolates from 6 confirmed cases had an indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern and belonged to sequence type 269, clonal complex 269. Factors significantly associated with disease were Greek society membership (matched odds ratio [mOR], 15.0; P = .03), >1 kissing partner (mOR, 13.66; P = .03), and attending bars (mOR, 8.06; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS The outbreak was associated with a novel serogroup B strain (CC269) and risk factors were indicative of increased social mixing. Control measures were appropriate but limited by lack of vaccine. Understanding serogroup B transmission in college and other settings will help inform use of serogroup B vaccines currently under consideration for licensure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sema Mandal
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS C-25, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
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7
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Holst J, Oster P, Arnold R, Tatley MV, Næss LM, Aaberge IS, Galloway Y, McNicholas A, O'Hallahan J, Rosenqvist E, Black S. Vaccines against meningococcal serogroup B disease containing outer membrane vesicles (OMV): lessons from past programs and implications for the future. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2013; 9:1241-53. [PMID: 23857274 PMCID: PMC3901813 DOI: 10.4161/hv.24129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The utility of wild-type outer membrane vesicle (wtOMV) vaccines against serogroup B (MenB) meningococcal disease has been explored since the 1970s. Public health interventions in Cuba, Norway and New Zealand have demonstrated that these protein-based vaccines can prevent MenB disease. Data from large clinical studies and retrospective statistical analyses in New Zealand give effectiveness estimates of at least 70%. A consistent pattern of moderately reactogenic and safe vaccines has been seen with the use of approximately 60 million doses of three different wtOMV vaccine formulations. The key limitation of conventional wtOMV vaccines is their lack of broad protective activity against the large diversity of MenB strains circulating globally. The public health intervention in New Zealand (between 2004–2008) when MeNZB was used to control a clonal MenB epidemic, provided a number of new insights regarding international and public-private collaboration, vaccine safety surveillance, vaccine effectiveness estimates and communication to the public. The experience with wtOMV vaccines also provide important information for the next generation of MenB vaccines designed to give more comprehensive protection against multiple strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Holst
- Division of Infectious Disease Control; Norwegian Institute of Public Health; Oslo, Norway
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8
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The early clinical development of a multicomponent vaccine against meningococcal serogroup B. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.4155/cli.12.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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9
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van de Waterbeemd B, Streefland M, van Keulen L, van den IJssel J, de Haan A, Eppink MH, van der Pol LA. Identification and optimization of critical process parameters for the production of NOMV vaccine against Neisseria meningitidis. Vaccine 2012; 30:3683-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2012] [Revised: 03/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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10
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Esposito V, Musi V, de Chiara C, Veggi D, Serruto D, Scarselli M, Kelly G, Pizza M, Pastore A. Structure of the C-terminal domain of Neisseria heparin binding antigen (NHBA), one of the main antigens of a novel vaccine against Neisseria meningitidis. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:41767-41775. [PMID: 21965688 PMCID: PMC3308885 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.289314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria heparin binding antigen (NHBA), also known as GNA2132 (genome-derived Neisseria antigen 2132), is a surface-exposed lipoprotein from Neisseria meningitidis that was originally identified by reverse vaccinology. It is one the three main antigens of a multicomponent vaccine against serogroup B meningitis (4CMenB), which has just completed phase III clinical trials in infants. In contrast to the other two main vaccine components, little is known about the origin of the immunogenicity of this antigen, and about its ability to induce a strong cross-bactericidal response in animals and humans. To characterize NHBA in terms of its structural/immunogenic properties, we have analyzed its sequence and identified a C-terminal region that is highly conserved in all strains. We demonstrate experimentally that this region is independently folded, and solved its three-dimensional structure by nuclear magnetic resonance. Notably, we need detergents to observe a single species in solution. The NHBA domain fold consists of an 8-strand β-barrel that closely resembles the C-terminal domains of N. meningitidis factor H-binding protein and transferrin-binding protein B. This common fold together with more subtle structural similarities suggest a common ancestor for these important antigens and a role of the β-barrel fold in inducing immunogenicity against N. meningitidis. Our data represent the first step toward understanding the relationship between structural, functional, and immunological properties of this important vaccine component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Esposito
- MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, London NW71AA, United Kingdom
| | - Valeria Musi
- MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, London NW71AA, United Kingdom
| | - Cesira de Chiara
- MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, London NW71AA, United Kingdom
| | - Daniele Veggi
- Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Davide Serruto
- Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Scarselli
- Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Geoff Kelly
- MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, London NW71AA, United Kingdom
| | - Mariagrazia Pizza
- Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pastore
- MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, London NW71AA, United Kingdom.
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11
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Su EL, Snape MD. A combination recombinant protein and outer membrane vesicle vaccine against serogroup B meningococcal disease. Expert Rev Vaccines 2011; 10:575-88. [PMID: 21604979 DOI: 10.1586/erv.11.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Although meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B remains an important public health concern, a licensed vaccine providing broad protection against this pathogen is not yet available. Advances in genomics have paved the way for the discovery of new vaccine candidates for inclusion into a multicomponent serogroup B vaccine. In this article, we will review recent advances in the development of these vaccines, focussing particularly on one of the 'next generation' MenB vaccines, 4CMenB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ee Lyn Su
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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12
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Complement-mediated bactericidal activity of anti-factor H binding protein monoclonal antibodies against the meningococcus relies upon blocking factor H binding. Infect Immun 2011; 79:3751-9. [PMID: 21708990 DOI: 10.1128/iai.05182-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Binding of the complement-downregulating protein factor H (fH) to the surface of the meningococcus is important for survival of the organism in human serum. The meningococcal vaccine candidate factor H binding protein (fHbp) is an important ligand for human fH. While some fHbp-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) block binding of fH to fHbp, the stoichiometry of blocking in the presence of high serum concentrations of fH and its effect on complement-mediated bactericidal activity are unknown. To investigate this question, we constructed chimeric antibodies in which the human IgG1 constant region was paired with three murine fHbp-specific binding domains designated JAR 3, JAR 5, and MAb502. By surface plasmon resonance, the association rates for binding of all three MAbs to immobilized fHbp were >50-fold higher than that for binding of fH to fHbp, and the MAb dissociation rates were >500-fold lower than that for fH. While all three MAbs elicited similar C1q-dependent C4b deposition on live bacteria (classical complement pathway), only those antibodies that inhibited binding of fH to fHbp (JAR 3 and JAR 5) had bactericidal activity with human complement. MAb502, which did not inhibit fH binding, had complement-mediated bactericidal activity only when tested with fH-depleted human complement. When an IgG1 anti-fHbp MAb binds to sparsely exposed fHbp on the bacterial surface, there appears to be insufficient complement activation for bacteriolysis unless fH binding also is inhibited. The ability of fHbp vaccines to elicit protective antibodies, therefore, is likely to be enhanced if the antibody repertoire is of high avidity and includes fH-blocking activity.
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13
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Abstract
Meningococcal meningitis is feared because of the rapid onset of severe disease from mild symptoms and, therefore, is an important target for vaccine research. Five serogroups, defined by the structures of their capsular polysaccharides, are responsible for the vast majority of disease. Protection against four of these five serogroups can be obtained with polysaccharide or glycoconjugate vaccines, in which fragments of the capsular polysaccharides attached to a carrier protein generate anticarbohydrate immune responses, whilst protection against group B disease requires protein immunogens, often presented in vesicles containing outer membrane proteins. Glycoconjugate vaccines are now an established technology, but outer-membrane protein vaccines are still under development and present significant challenges. This review discusses physicochemical approaches to the characterization and quality control of these vaccines, as well as highlighting the problems and differences in vaccine design required for protection against different serogroups of the same species of pathogen.
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14
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Characterization of diverse subvariants of the meningococcal factor H (fH) binding protein for their ability to bind fH, to mediate serum resistance, and to induce bactericidal antibodies. Infect Immun 2010; 79:970-81. [PMID: 21149595 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00891-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is a commensal of the human nasopharynx but is also a major cause of septicemia and meningitis. The meningococcal factor H binding protein (fHbp) binds human factor H (fH), enabling downregulation of complement activation on the bacterial surface. fHbp is a component of two serogroup B meningococcal vaccines currently in clinical development. Here we characterize 12 fHbp subvariants for their level of surface exposure and ability to bind fH, to mediate serum resistance, and to induce bactericidal antibodies. Flow cytometry and Western analysis revealed that all strains examined expressed fHbp on their surface to different extents and bound fH in an fHbp-dependent manner. However, differences in fH binding did not always correlate with the level of fHbp expression, indicating that this is not the only factor affecting the amount of fH bound. To overcome the issue of strain variability in fHbp expression, the MC58ΔfHbp strain was genetically engineered to express different subvariants from a constitutive heterologous promoter. These recombinant strains were characterized for fH binding, and the data confirmed that each subvariant binds different levels of fH. Surface plasmon resonance revealed differences in the stability of the fHbp-fH complexes that ranged over 2 orders of magnitude, indicating that differences in residues between and within variant groups can influence fH binding. Interestingly, the level of survival in human sera of recombinant MC58 strains expressing diverse subvariants did not correlate with the level of fH binding, suggesting that the interaction of fHbp with fH is not the only function of fHbp that influences serum resistance. Furthermore, cross-reactive bactericidal activity was seen within each variant group, although the degree of activity varied, suggesting that amino acid differences within each variant group influence the bactericidal antibody response.
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Sung JWC, Hsieh SY, Lin CL, Leng CH, Liu SJ, Chou AH, Lai LW, Lin LH, Kwok Y, Yang CY, Chong P. Biochemical characterizations of Escherichia coli-expressed protective antigen Ag473 of Neisseria meningitides group B. Vaccine 2010; 28:8175-82. [PMID: 20937316 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.09.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2010] [Revised: 08/28/2010] [Accepted: 09/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Polysaccharide-based vaccines against Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) serogroups A, C, Y and W135 have been available since 1970, but similar vaccine candidates developed for Nm group B (NmB) have not been successful due to both poor immunogenicity and their potential immunological cross-reactivity with human neurological tissue. In previous reports, a protective antigen and vaccine candidate, Ag473, was identified using proteomics and NmB-specific bactericidal monoclonal antibody. To initiate human phase one clinical trials, antigen production and characterization, pre-clinical toxicology and animal studies are required. In the present study, we report the biochemical characterization of Escherichia coli-expressed recombinant Ag473 (rAg473). Using MALDI-TOF mass analysis, chromatographically purified rAg473 was found to have two major isoforms that have molecular masses of 11,306 and 11,544amu, respectively. The isoforms were separated using RP-HPLC and pooled into two fractions. Based on the chromatogram, the ratio of lipoproteins in fractions #1 and #2 was found to be 1-2. GC-MS analysis of lipoproteins was performed, and the acylated fatty acids were identified. The results indicated that the first lipoproteins in fraction #1 contained the lipids palmitic acid (C16:0), cyclopropaneoctanoic acid (C17:1) and, predominately, stearic acid (C18:0). A different lipid composition of cyclopropaneoctanoic acid (C17:1), oleic acid (C18:1) and, predominately, palmitic acid (C16:0) was found in the second lipoprotein fraction. Both lipoprotein isoforms were tested and found to have Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist activity in stimulating cytokine secretion from THP-1 cells. Circular dichroism (CD) analysis showed the secondary structure of rAg473 to be dominated by α-helices (48%), and the overall protein structure was stable up to 60°C and could refold after having been exposed to a temperature cycle from 20 to 90°C. In addition, the solubility of rAg473 (5mg/mL) was not affected after several freeze-thaw cycles. These biophysical and immunological properties make rAg473 a good vaccine candidate against NmB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Wang-Chou Sung
- Vaccine Research and Development Center, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County 350, Taiwan
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16
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Zollinger WD, Donets MA, Schmiel DH, Pinto VB, Labrie JE, Moran EE, Brandt BL, Ionin B, Marques R, Wu M, Chen P, Stoddard MB, Keiser PB. Design and evaluation in mice of a broadly protective meningococcal group B native outer membrane vesicle vaccine. Vaccine 2010; 28:5057-67. [PMID: 20653107 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A vaccine based on native outer membrane vesicles (NOMV) that has potential to provide safe, broad based protection against group B strains of Neisseria meningitidis has been developed. Three antigenically diverse group B strains of N. meningitidis were chosen and genetically modified to improve safety and expression of desirable antigens. Safety was enhanced by disabling three genes: synX, lpxL1, and lgtA. The vaccine strains were genetically configured to have three sets of antigens each with potential to induce protective antibodies against a wide range of group B strains. Preliminary immunogenicity studies with combined NOMV from the three strains confirmed the capacity of the vaccine to induce a broad based bactericidal antibody response. Analysis of the bactericidal activity indicated that antibodies to the LOS were responsible for a major portion of the bactericidal activity and that these antibodies may enhance the bactericidal activity of anti-protein antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendell D Zollinger
- Division of Bacterial and Rickettsial Diseases, 503 Robert Grant Ave., Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
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17
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Yero D, Vipond C, Climent Y, Sardiñas G, Feavers IM, Pajón R. Variation in the Neisseria meningitidis FadL-like protein: an evolutionary model for a relatively low-abundance surface antigen. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2010; 156:3596-3608. [PMID: 20817647 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.043182-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The molecular diversity of a novel Neisseria meningitidis antigen, encoded by the ORF NMB0088 of MC58 (FadL-like protein), was assessed in a panel of 64 diverse meningococcal strains. The panel consisted of strains belonging to different serogroups, serotypes, serosubtypes and MLST sequence types, of different clinical sources, years and countries of isolation. Based on the sequence variability of the protein, the FadL-like protein has been divided into four variant groups in this species. Antigen variants were associated with specific serogroups and MLST clonal complexes. Maximum-likelihood analyses were used to determine the relationships among sequences and to compare the selection pressures acting on the encoded protein. Furthermore, a model of population genetics and molecular evolution was used to detect natural selection in DNA sequences using the non-synonymous : synonymous substitution (d(N) : d(S)) ratio. The meningococcal sequences were also compared with those of the related surface protein in non-pathogenic commensal Neisseria species to investigate potential horizontal gene transfer. The N. meningitidis fadL gene was subject to only weak positive selection pressure and was less diverse than meningococcal major outer-membrane proteins. The majority of the variability in fadL was due to recombination among existing alleles from the same or related species that resulted in a discrete mosaic structure in the meningococcal population. In general, the population structuring observed based on the FadL-like membrane protein indicates that it is under intermediate immune selection. However, the emergence of a new subvariant within the hyperinvasive lineages demonstrates the phenotypic adaptability of N. meningitidis, probably in response to selective pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Yero
- Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Biotechnology, Finlay Institute, Havana, Cuba
| | - Caroline Vipond
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Yanet Climent
- Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Biotechnology, Finlay Institute, Havana, Cuba
| | - Gretel Sardiñas
- Division of Vaccines, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Ian M Feavers
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Rolando Pajón
- Center for Immunobiology and Vaccine Development, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
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Sequence conservation of pilus subunits in Neisseria meningitidis. Vaccine 2010; 28:4817-26. [PMID: 20457291 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2009] [Revised: 03/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The rapid onset and dramatic consequences of Neisseria meningitidis infections make the design of a broadly protective vaccine a priority for public health. There is an ongoing quest for meningococcal components that are surface exposed, widely conserved and can induce protective antibodies. Type IV pili (Tfp) are filamentous structures with a key role in pathogenesis that extend beyond the surface of the bacteria and have demonstrated vaccine potential. However, extensive antigenic variation of PilE, the major subunit of Tfp, means that they are currently considered to be unsuitable vaccine components. Recently it has been shown that Tfp also contain low abundance pilins ComP, PilV and PilX in addition to PilE. This prompted us to examine the prevalence and sequence diversity of these proteins in a panel of N. meningitidis disease isolates. We found that all minor pilins are highly conserved and the major pilin genes are also highly conserved within the ST-8 and ST-11 clonal complexes. These data have important implications for the re-consideration of pilus subunits as vaccine antigens.
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Clonal distribution of disease-associated and healthy carrier isolates of Neisseria meningitidis between 1983 and 2005 in Cuba. J Clin Microbiol 2009; 48:802-10. [PMID: 20042619 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01653-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to epidemic levels of serogroup B meningococcal disease in Cuba during the 1980s, the VA-MENGOC-BC vaccine was developed and introduced into the National Infant Immunization Program in 1991. Since then the incidence of meningococcal disease in Cuba has returned to the low levels recorded before the epidemic. A total of 420 Neisseria meningitidis strains collected between 1983 and 2005 in Cuba were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The set of strains comprised 167 isolated from disease cases and 253 obtained from healthy carriers. By MLST analysis, 63 sequence types (STs) were identified, and 32 of these were reported to be a new ST. The Cuban isolates were associated with 12 clonal complexes; and the most common were ST-32 (246 isolates), ST-53 (86 isolates), and ST-41/44 (36 isolates). This study also showed that the application of VA-MENGOC-BC, the Cuban serogroup B and C vaccine, reduced the frequency and diversity of hypervirulent clonal complexes ST-32 (vaccine serogroup B type-strain) and ST-41/44 and also affected other lineages. Lineages ST-8 and ST-11 were no longer found during the postvaccination period. The vaccine also affected the genetic composition of the carrier-associated meningococcal isolates. The number of carrier isolates belonging to hypervirulent lineages decreased significantly after vaccination, and ST-53, a sequence type common in carriers, became the predominant ST.
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