Richardson NI, Kuttel MM, Michael FS, Cairns C, Cox AD, Ravenscroft N. Cross-reactivity of Haemophilus influenzae type a and b polysaccharides: molecular modeling and conjugate immunogenicity studies.
Glycoconj J 2021;
38:735-746. [PMID:
34491462 DOI:
10.1007/s10719-021-10020-0]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Haemophilus influenzae is a leading cause of meningitis disease and mortality, particularly in young children. Since the introduction of a licensed conjugate vaccine (targeting the outer capsular polysaccharide) against the most prevalent serotype, Haemophilus influenzae serotype b, the epidemiology of the disease has changed and Haemophilus influenzae serotype a is on the rise, especially in Indigenous North American populations. Here we apply molecular modeling to explore the preferred conformations of the serotype a and b capsular polysaccharides as well as a modified hydrolysis resistant serotype b polysaccharide. Although both serotype b and the modified serotype b have similar random coil behavior, our simulations reveal some differences in the polysaccharide conformations and surfaces which may impact antibody cross-reactivity between these two antigens. Importantly, we find significant conformational differences between the serotype a and b polysaccharides, indicating a potential lack of cross-reactivity that is corroborated by immunological data showing little recognition or killing between heterologous serotypes. These findings support the current development of a serotype a conjugate vaccine.
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