Naturally acquired antibodies against Haemophilus influenzae type a in Aboriginal adults, Canada

Invasive and Non-invasive Clinical Haemophilus influenzae Type A Isolates Activate Differentiated HL-60 Cells In Vitro

Background

The effective elimination of encapsulated bacteria like Haemophilus influenzae type a (Hia) relies on immune mechanisms such as complement-mediated opsonophagocytosis by neutrophils in coordination with opsonization by anti-capsular antibodies. This study evaluated if Hia could activate the immune response through neutrophils and if these responses differed between encapsulated versus unencapsulated or invasive versus non-invasive strains.

Methods

HL-60-derived neutrophil-like cells (dHL-60), differentiated with 1.25% dimethyl sulfoxide over 9 days, were used in an opsonophagocytosis assay and in vitro infection model to measure Hia's susceptibility to killing and dHL-60 surface molecule expression, respectively. The impact of strain-specific features on the immune response was investigated using clinical isolates of a dominant North American sequence type (ST)-23, including Hia 11-139 (encapsulated, invasive), 14-61 (encapsulated, non-invasive), 13-0074 (unencapsulated, invasive), as well as a representative ST-4 isolate (Hia 13-240, encapsulated, invasive), and a nontypeable strain (NTHi 375, unencapsulated, non-invasive).

Results

Unencapsulated and non-invasive Hi strains were more susceptible to killing by the innate immune response while the ST-23 invasive strain, Hia 11-139 required serum antibodies for destruction. Flow cytometry analysis showed increased expression of co-stimulatory molecule ICAM-1 and Fc receptors (CD89, CD64) but decreased expression of the Fc receptor CD16, revealing potential mechanisms of neutrophil-mediated defense against Hia that extend to both non-invasive and invasive strains.

Conclusions

Hia clinical isolates with diverse pathogenicity illustrated contrasting susceptibility to killing by immune mechanisms while maintaining the same capacity to activate neutrophil-like cells, further underscoring the need for additional studies on Hia's pathogenesis.

Naturally acquired antibody against Haemophilus influenzae type a in pediatric saliva

We developed a salivary assay for the detection of naturally acquired IgA antibody against Haemophilus influenzae type a (Hia) capsular polysaccharide in healthy Indigenous children from Northwestern Ontario, Canada. Hia-specific IgA antibody was detected in the saliva of 93% of Indigenous children aged 2-7 years.

Seroprevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies to Haemophilus influenzae type a in Canadian children

BACKGROUND

Over the last 2 decades, Haemophilus influenzae type a (Hia) has emerged as a significant cause of invasive disease in some geographic regions and populations. Recognition of the importance of Hia in the etiology of serious disease, particularly in young children, prompted the development of a new protein-capsular polysaccharide conjugate vaccine, similar in design to a vaccine against H. influenzae type b. At present, understanding of Hia immunology is incomplete; the immunological correlate of protection against invasive disease is unknown.

METHODS

Our objective was to study Hia antibody in children of various ages residing in a Canadian province with low incidence rates of invasive disease. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to quantify plasma IgG and IgM specific to Hia capsular polysaccharide in 133 children (3 months to 16 years).

RESULTS

Both anti-Hia IgG and IgM concentrations increased with age and were significantly higher in older children; a positive correlation between age and concentrations of Hia antibody was found. IgM antibody concentrations were significantly higher than IgG, with mean IgM concentrations over 10 times larger than IgG across all age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The steady rise of naturally acquired, Hia-specific IgG and IgM concentrations in a pediatric population with low incidence rates of invasive Hia disease suggests the exposure to some cross-reactive environmental antigens as a major source of the antibody. However, the carriage rates of Hia in the region are unknown and further seroepidemiological studies are warranted. Although natural antibody may protect certain population groups against invasive disease, immunization of younger children will be essential to prevent serious infections if Hia continues to spread across North America.

Presence of Antibodies Against Haemophilus influenzae Serotype a in Alaska Before and After the Emergence of Invasive Infections

BACKGROUND

Haemophilus influenzae bacteria can cause asymptomatic carriage and invasive disease. Haemophilus influenzae serotype a (Hia) is an emerging cause of invasive disease in Alaska, with greatest burden occurring among rural Alaska Native (AN) children. The first case of invasive Hia (iHia) in Alaska was reported in 2002; however, it is unclear how long the pathogen has been in Alaska.

METHODS

We quantified immunoglobulin G antibodies against Hia (anti-Hia) in 839 banked serum samples from Alaska residents, comparing antibody concentrations in samples drawn in the decades before (1980s and 1990s) and after (2000s) the emergence of iHia. We also assessed serum antibody concentration by age group, region of residence, and race.

RESULTS

The anti-Hia was >0.1 µg/mL in 88.1% (348 of 395) and 91.0% (404 of 444) of samples from the decades prior and after the emergence of Hia, respectively (P = .17). No significant differences in antibody levels were detected between people from rural and urban regions (1.55 vs 2.08 µg/mL, P = .91 for age ≥5) or between AN and non-AN people (2.50 vs 2.60 µg/mL, P = .26).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results are consistent with widespread Hia exposure in Alaska predating the first iHia case. No difference in Hia antibody prevalence was detected between populations with differing levels of invasive disease.

Natural immunity against Haemophilus influenzae type a and B-cell subpopulations in adult patients with severe chronic kidney disease

Individuals suffering from severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) are immunocompromised and therefore highly susceptible to various infections including Haemophilus influenzae type a (Hia), an emerging pathogen in North American Indigenous populations. Immunocompromised Indigenous adults are considered a target for a new Hia vaccine under development. In an attempt to foresee their response to Hia immunization, we studied natural immunity against Hia and B-cell subpopulations in sixty patients with CKD residing in a geographic region with noticeable presence of Hia invasive disease. Serum bactericidal activity (SBA) against Hia, concentrations of IgG and IgM antibodies specific to Hia capsular polysaccharide, and B-cell subpopulations were studied in patients with CKD and 35 healthy controls of the same age. Of the patients with CKD, proportions and absolute numbers of B-cell subpopulations were determined for 28 patients. The patients had lower SBA titres compared to controls. Although no significant differences in anti-Hia IgG or IgM antibody concentrations between control and CKD groups were found, IgM antibody concentrations were higher in Indigenous than non-Indigenous patients. Patients with CKD had a higher proportion of B cells (CD19+), class switched memory B cells (CD19+CD27+IgM-) and a lower proportion of CD19+CD27-IgM- B cells compared to healthy controls. Non-Indigenous patients with CKD had significantly higher proportions of IgM memory B cells and CD19+CD27-IgM- B cells compared to Indigenous patients with no significant difference in absolute numbers. Because 72% of CKD patients had detectable SBA titres and 100% had detectable IgG and IgM antibodies it is possible that a portion of IgM memory B cells and class switched memory B cells are specific for Hia resulting from a natural exposure to the pathogen. The data suggest that a Hia-conjugate vaccine may be immunogenic in adult patients with CKD as it will potentially induce re-activation of immunological memory against Hia.

Protection Against Invasive Infections in Children Caused by Encapsulated Bacteria

The encapsulated bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus) have been responsible for the majority of severe infections in children for decades, specifically bacteremia and meningitis. Isolates which cause invasive disease are usually surrounded by a polysaccharide capsule, which is a major virulence factor and the key antigen in protective protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccines. Protection against these bacteria is largely mediated via polysaccharide-specific antibody and complement, although the contribution of these and other components, and the precise mechanisms, vary between species and include opsonophagocytosis and complement-dependent bacteriolysis. Further studies are required to more precisely elucidate mechanisms of protection against non-type b H. influenzae and Group B Streptococcus.

Characterization of natural bactericidal antibody against Haemophilus influenzae type a in Canadian First Nations: A Canadian Immunization Research Network (CIRN) Clinical Trials Network (CTN) study

During the last two decades, Haemophilus influenzae serotype a (Hia) emerged as an important cause of invasive disease in Canadian First Nations and Inuit, and Alaskan Native populations, with the highest rates reported in young children. Immunocompetent adults, in contrast to children, do not typically develop invasive Hia disease. To clarify factors responsible for an increased burden of invasive Hia disease in certain population groups we studied serum bactericidal activity (SBA) against Hia and quantified IgG and IgM specific to Hia capsular polysaccharide in healthy adult members of two First Nations communities: 1) with reported cases of invasive Hia disease (Northern Ontario, NO), and 2) without reported cases (Southern Ontario, SO), in comparison to non-First Nations living in proximity to the NO First Nations community, and non-First Nations elderly non-frail Canadians from across the country (total of 110 First Nations and 76 non-First Nations). To elucidate the specificity of bactericidal antibodies, sera were absorbed with various Hia antigens. Naturally acquired SBA against Hia was detected at higher rates in First Nations (NO, 80%; SO, 96%) than non-First Nations elderly Canadians (64%); the SBA titres in First Nations were higher than in non-First Nations elderly Canadians (P<0.001) and NO non-First Nations adults (P>0.05). Among First Nations, SBA was mediated predominantly by IgM, and by both antibodies specific to Hia capsular polysaccharide and lipooligosaccharide. Conclusions: The SBA against Hia is frequently present in sera of First Nations adults regardless of the burden of Hia disease observed in their community; it may represent part of the natural antibody repertoire, which is potentially formed in this population under the influence of certain epigenetic factors. Although the nature of these antibodies deserves further studies to understand their origin, the data suggest that they may represent important protective mechanism against invasive Hia disease.

Developing a vaccine for Haemophilus influenzae serotype a: Proceedings of a workshop

Since the late 1990s there has been an emergence of Haemophilus influenzae serotype a (Hia) infections, especially in Indigenous communities in the northern regions of Canada and Alaska associated with significant morbidity and approximately a 10% mortality. A Hia vaccine could potentially prevent this disease and save the health care system millions of dollars in both acute and long-term care. On March 23-24, 2016, the National Research Council (NRC), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) co-organized a meeting on H. influenzae serotype a (Hia) to examine the current state of disease epidemiology and a potential vaccine solution path. The meeting included representatives from academia, federal and territorial public health units, hospital laboratories, federal departments involved in Aboriginal health, advocacy organizations for Indigenous peoples and industry. Representatives from industry confirmed having the capacity and the interest to support preparation of clinical trial batches. Canadian regulatory authorities have expressed a willingness to help ensure appropriate measures are in place for licensure purposes. Furthermore, there is the capacity and interest in performing some clinical trials in Indigenous communities in both Canada and Alaska. Recommendations for next steps included: complete pre-clinical studies, improve epidemiological surveillance to better understand the extent of the disease in the rest of North America and globally, establish engagement mechanisms with national Indigenous organizations to ensure their peoples are fully involved in the process and explore funding opportunities to prepare clinical lots and undertake clinical trials.

Dynamics of naturally acquired antibody against Haemophilus influenzae type a capsular polysaccharide in a Canadian Aboriginal population

Severe infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type a (Hia) have reached alarming rates in some Canadian Aboriginal communities. We sought to estimate the frequency of exposure to this pathogen and timelines for boosting protective antibodies.

We developed a model of secondary antigenic challenge (natural exposure), and used data for anti-Hia antibodies in serum samples of healthy and immunocompromised adults in a population of Northwestern Ontario, Canada. We parameterized the model with available estimates from previous studies for the decay rate of antibody and its protective levels against both Hia carriage and invasive disease. Simulations were initialized using antibody concentrations from data. We investigated both the duration of immunity without secondary antigenic challenge and the average time between subsequent exposures to Hia.

When there was no new natural exposure, serum antibody concentrations in healthy Aboriginal individuals decreased below the level (1 μg/ml) assumed for protection against invasive Hia disease 3 years after primary exposure. This period was shorter (about 2 years) for Aboriginal individuals suffering from chronic renal failure. We estimated that a new antigenic challenge occurs once in 5 and 2 years for healthy and immunocompromised Aboriginal individuals, respectively. More frequent natural exposure was required to maintain protective antibody levels for non-Aboriginal individuals compared to Aboriginal individuals.

The findings suggest that frequent boosting of natural immunity is required to maintain the anti-Hia antibody levels protecting against invasive Hia disease, particularly in individuals with underlying medical conditions. This information has important implications for immunization when an anti-Hia vaccine becomes available.

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Frequent natural exposure to Hia is required to maintain protective immunity.

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Epigenetic factors may affect formation of natural immunity in Aboriginal people.

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Further data pertaining to immunological correlates of Hia are needed.

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Modeling can inform timelines of boosting immunity and vaccination policies.