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Williams E, Seib KL, Fairley CK, Pollock GL, Hocking JS, McCarthy JS, Williamson DA. Neisseria gonorrhoeae vaccines: a contemporary overview. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0009423. [PMID: 38226640 PMCID: PMC10938898 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00094-23] [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] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection is an important public health issue, with an annual global incidence of 87 million. N. gonorrhoeae infection causes significant morbidity and can have serious long-term impacts on reproductive and neonatal health and may rarely cause life-threatening disease. Global rates of N. gonorrhoeae infection have increased over the past 20 years. Importantly, rates of antimicrobial resistance to key antimicrobials also continue to increase, with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifying drug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae as an urgent threat to public health. This review summarizes the current evidence for N. gonorrhoeae vaccines, including historical clinical trials, key N. gonorrhoeae vaccine preclinical studies, and studies of the impact of Neisseria meningitidis vaccines on N. gonorrhoeae infection. A comprehensive survey of potential vaccine antigens, including those identified through traditional vaccine immunogenicity approaches, as well as those identified using more contemporary reverse vaccinology approaches, are also described. Finally, the potential epidemiological impacts of a N. gonorrhoeae vaccine and research priorities for further vaccine development are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Williams
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate L. Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Georgina L. Pollock
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane S. Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - James S. McCarthy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deborah A. Williamson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Cao Y, Liu J, Liu G, Du H, Liu T, Wang G, Wang Q, Zhou Y, Wang E. Exploring the Immunoprotective Potential of a Nanocarrier Immersion Vaccine Encoding Sip against Streptococcus Infection in Tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus). Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1262. [PMID: 37515077 PMCID: PMC10383804 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Tilapia, as one of the fish widely cultured around the world, is suffering severe impact from the streptococcus disease with the deterioration of the breeding environment and the increasing of breeding density, which brings serious economic loss to tilapia farming. In this study, the surface immunogenic protein (Sip) of Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) was selected as the potential candidate antigen and connected with bacterial nano cellulose (BNC) to construct the nanocarrier subunit vaccine (BNC-rSip), and the immersion immune effects against S. agalactiae and Streptococcus iniae (S. iniae) in Nile tilapia were evaluated on the basis of the serum antibody level, non-specific enzyme activity, the immune-related gene expression and relative percent survival (RPS). The results indicated that Sip possessed the expected immunogenicity according to the immunoinformatic analysis. Compared with the rSip group, BNC-rSip significantly induced serum antibody production and improved the innate immunity level of tilapia. After challenge, the RPS of BNC-rSip groups were 78.95% (S. agalactiae) and 67.86% (S. iniae), which were both higher than those of rSip groups,31.58% (S. agalactiae) and 35.71% (S. iniae), respectively. Our study indicated that BNC-rSip can induce protective immunity for tilapia through immersion immunization and may be an ideal candidate vaccine for controlling tilapia streptococcal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Cao
- Key Laboratory of Fishery Drug Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Immune Technology, Guangdong Province, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China
- Northwest A&F University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Northwest A&F University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Gaoyang Liu
- Northwest A&F University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Hui Du
- Northwest A&F University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Tianqiang Liu
- Northwest A&F University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Gaoxue Wang
- Northwest A&F University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Fishery Drug Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Immune Technology, Guangdong Province, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China
| | - Ya Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Chongqing Three Gorges Vocational College, Chongqing 404155, China
| | - Erlong Wang
- Northwest A&F University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
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Viviani V, Fantoni A, Tomei S, Marchi S, Luzzi E, Bodini M, Muzzi A, Giuliani MM, Maione D, Derrick JP, Delany I, Pizza M, Biolchi A, Bartolini E. OpcA and PorB are novel bactericidal antigens of the 4CMenB vaccine in mice and humans. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:54. [PMID: 37045859 PMCID: PMC10097807 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00651-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of Neisseria meningitidis Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMV) to induce protective responses in humans is well established and mainly attributed to Porin A (PorA). However, the contribution of additional protein antigens to protection remains to be elucidated. In this study we dissected the immunogenicity of antigens originating from the OMV component of the 4CMenB vaccine in mice and humans. We collected functional data on a panel of strains for which bactericidal responses to 4CMenB in infants was attributable to the OMV component and evaluated the role of 30 OMV-specific protein antigens in cross-coverage. By using tailor-made protein microarrays, the immunosignature of OMV antigens was determined. Three of these proteins, OpcA, NspA, and PorB, triggered mouse antibodies that were bactericidal against several N. meningitidis strains. Finally, by genetic deletion and/or serum depletion studies, we demonstrated the ability of OpcA and PorB to induce functional immune responses in infant sera after vaccination. In conclusion, while confirming the role of PorA in eliciting protective immunity, we identified two OMV antigens playing a key role in protection of infants vaccinated with the 4CMenB vaccine against different N. meningitidis serogroup B strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Viviani
- GSK, Siena, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeremy P Derrick
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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Mikucki A, McCluskey NR, Kahler CM. The Host-Pathogen Interactions and Epicellular Lifestyle of Neisseria meningitidis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:862935. [PMID: 35531336 PMCID: PMC9072670 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.862935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is a gram-negative diplococcus and a transient commensal of the human nasopharynx. It shares and competes for this niche with a number of other Neisseria species including N. lactamica, N. cinerea and N. mucosa. Unlike these other members of the genus, N. meningitidis may become invasive, crossing the epithelium of the nasopharynx and entering the bloodstream, where it rapidly proliferates causing a syndrome known as Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD). IMD progresses rapidly to cause septic shock and meningitis and is often fatal despite aggressive antibiotic therapy. While many of the ways in which meningococci survive in the host environment have been well studied, recent insights into the interactions between N. meningitidis and the epithelial, serum, and endothelial environments have expanded our understanding of how IMD develops. This review seeks to incorporate recent work into the established model of pathogenesis. In particular, we focus on the competition that N. meningitidis faces in the nasopharynx from other Neisseria species, and how the genetic diversity of the meningococcus contributes to the wide range of inflammatory and pathogenic potentials observed among different lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- August Mikucki
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nicolie R. McCluskey
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Telethon Kids Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Charlene M. Kahler
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Charlene M. Kahler,
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Viviani V, Biolchi A, Pizza M. Synergistic activity of antibodies in the multicomponent 4CMenB vaccine. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:645-658. [PMID: 35257644 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2050697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Vaccines based on multiple antigens often induce an immune response which is higher than that triggered by each single component, with antibodies acting cooperatively and synergistically in tackling the infection. AREAS COVERED An interesting example is the antibody response induced by the 4CMenB vaccine, currently licensed for the prevention of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MenB). It contains four antigenic components: Factor H binding protein (fHbp), Neisseria adhesin A (NadA), Neisserial Heparin Binding Antigen (NHBA) and Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMV). Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies raised by vaccination with 4CMenB show synergistic activity in complement-dependent bacterial killing. This review summarizes published and unpublished data and provides evidence of the added value of multicomponent vaccines. EXPERT OPINION : The ability of 4CMenB vaccine to elicit antibodies targeting multiple surface-exposed antigens is corroborated by the recent data on real world evidences. Bactericidal activity is generally mediated by antibodies that bind to antigens highly expressed on the bacterial surface and immunologically related. However, simultaneous binding of antibodies to various surface-exposed antigens can overcome the threshold density of antigen-antibody complexes needed for complement activation. The data discussed in this review highlight the interplay between antibodies targeting major and minor antigens and their effect on functionality. Clinical trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov identifiers of studies with original data mentioned in the article: NCT00937521, NCT00433914, NCT02140762 and NCT02285777.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mariagrazia Pizza
- Bacterial Vaccines, GSK, Siena, Italy.,GVGH, GSK Vaccine Institute for Global Health, Siena, Italy
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Lewis LA, Ram S. Complement interactions with the pathogenic Neisseriae: clinical features, deficiency states, and evasion mechanisms. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:2670-2694. [PMID: 32058583 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea, while Neisseria meningitidis is an important cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis. Complement is a central arm of innate immune defenses and plays an important role in combating Neisserial infections. Persons with congenital and acquired defects in complement are at a significantly higher risk for invasive Neisserial infections such as invasive meningococcal disease and disseminated gonococcal infection compared to the general population. Of note, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis can only infect humans, which in part may be related to their ability to evade only human complement. This review summarizes the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of Neisserial infections in persons with defects in the complement system. Mechanisms used by these pathogens to subvert killing by complement and preclinical studies showing how these complement evasion strategies may be used to counteract the global threat of meningococcal and gonococcal infections are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Lewis
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sanjay Ram
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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Hou Y, Yan T, Cao H, Liu P, Zheng K, Li Z, Deng Q, Hu S. Chimeric hepatitis B virus core particles displaying Neisserial surface protein A confer protection against virulent Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B in BALB/c mice. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:6601-6613. [PMID: 31496701 PMCID: PMC6702424 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s206210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The primary goal of the present study was to explore and evaluate the highly conserved Neisserial surface protein A (NspA) molecule, fused with truncated HBV virus-like particles (VLPs), as a candidate vaccine against the virulent Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (NMB). Methods NspA was inserted into the major immunodominant region of the truncated hepatitis B virus core protein (HBc; amino acids 1–144). The chimeric protein, HBc-N144-NspA, was expressed from a prokaryotic vector and generated HBc-like particles, as determined by transmission electron microscopy. Further, the chimeric protein and control proteins were used to immunize mice and the resulting immune responses evaluated by flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and analysis of serum bactericidal activity (SBA) titer. Results Evaluation of the immunogenicity of the recombinant HBc-N144-NspA protein showed that it elicited the production of high levels of NspA-specific total IgG. The SBA titer of HBc-N144-NspA/F reached 1:16 2 weeks after the last immunization in BALB/c mice, when human serum complement was included in the vaccine. Immunization of HBc-N144-NspA, even without adjuvant, induced high levels of IL-4 and a high IgG1 to IgG2a ratio, confirming induction of an intense Th2 immune response. Levels of IL-17A increased rapidly in mice after the first immunization with HBc-N144-NspA, indicating the potential for this vaccine to induce a mucosal immune response. Meanwhile, the immunization of HBc-N144-NspA without adjuvant induced only mild inflammatory infiltration into the mouse muscle tissue. Conclusion This study demonstrates that modification using HBc renders NspA a candidate vaccine, which can trigger protective immunity against NMB.
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Affiliation(s)
- YongLi Hou
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Yan
- Department of Health Services, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Cao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Kang Zheng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Deng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - SiHai Hu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, People's Republic of China
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Rostamtabar M, Rahmani A, Baee M, Karkhah A, Prajapati VK, Ebrahimpour S, Nouri HR. Development a multi-epitope driven subunit vaccine for immune response reinforcement against Serogroup B of Neisseria meningitidis using comprehensive immunoinformatics approaches. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 75:103992. [PMID: 31394292 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.103992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Serogroup B of Neisseria meningitidis is the main cause of mortality due to meningococcal meningitis. Despite of many investigations, there is still no effective vaccine to prevent this serious infection. Therefore, this study was conducted to design a multi-epitope based vaccine through immunoinformatics approaches. The T CD4+ and TCD8+ cells along with IFN-γ inducing epitopes were selected from TspA, FHbp, NspA, TbpB, PilQ and NspA antigens form serogroup B of Neisseria meningitidis. Furthermore, to induce strong helper T lymphocytes (HTLs) responses, Pan HLA DR-binding epitope (PADRE) was used. In addition, loop 5 and 7 of the PorB as a TLR2 agonist were added to the vaccine construct. Physico-chemical properties, secondary and tertiary structures of the proposed construct were assessed. Finally, homology modeling, refinement and molecular docking were carried out to evaluated the construct tertiary structure and protein-protein interaction, respectively. By fusing the CTL, HTL and IFN-γ predicted epitopes along with suitable adjuvant and linkers, a multi-epitope vaccine was constructed with a TAT sequence of HIV at the N-terminal. Immunoinformatics analyses confirmed a soluble and non-allergic protein with a molecular weight of 62.5 kDa and high antigenicity. Furthermore, the stability of the multi-epitope construct was established and showed strong potential to generate humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. In addition, through molecular docking and dynamic simulation, the microscopic interaction between the vaccine construct and TLR-2 were verified. In summary, immunoinformatics analysis demonstrated that the constructed multi-epitope vaccine had a strong potential of T and B-cell stimulation and it could possibly be used for prophylactic or therapeutic aims to protect against serogroup B of N. meningitidis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rostamtabar
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Rahmani
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Masoud Baee
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Ahmad Karkhah
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Vijay Kumar Prajapati
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Soheil Ebrahimpour
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Nouri
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran; Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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A homopolymeric adenosine tract in the promoter region of nspA influences factor H-mediated serum resistance in Neisseria meningitidis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2736. [PMID: 30804422 PMCID: PMC6389960 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39231-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Although usually asymptomatically colonizing the human nasopharynx, the Gram-negative bacterium Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) can spread to the blood stream and cause invasive disease. For survival in blood, N. meningitidis evades the complement system by expression of a polysaccharide capsule and surface proteins sequestering the complement regulator factor H (fH). Meningococcal strains belonging to the sequence type (ST-) 41/44 clonal complex (cc41/44) cause a major proportion of serogroup B meningococcal disease worldwide, but they are also common in asymptomatic carriers. Proteome analysis comparing cc41/44 isolates from invasive disease versus carriage revealed differential expression levels of the outer membrane protein NspA, which binds fH. Deletion of nspA reduced serum resistance and NspA expression correlated with fH sequestration. Expression levels of NspA depended on the length of a homopolymeric tract in the nspA promoter: A 5-adenosine tract dictated low NspA expression, whereas a 6-adenosine motif guided high NspA expression. Screening German cc41/44 strain collections revealed the 6-adenosine motif in 39% of disease isolates, but only in 3.4% of carriage isolates. Thus, high NspA expression is associated with disease, but not strictly required. The 6-adenosine nspA promoter is most common to the cc41/44, but is also found in other hypervirulent clonal complexes.
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Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis (the meningococcus) is a member of the normal nasopharyngeal microbiome in healthy individuals, but can cause septicemia and meningitis in susceptible individuals. In this chapter we provide an overview of the disease caused by N. meningitidis and the schemes used to type the meningococcus. We also review the adhesions, virulence factors, and phase variable genes that enable it to successfully colonize the human host. Finally, we outline the history and current status of meningococcal vaccines and highlight the importance of continued molecular investigation of the epidemiology and the structural analysis of the antigens of this pathogen to aid future vaccine development.
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Trzewikoswki de Lima G, De Gaspari E. Individual variability in humoral response of immunized outbred mice and cross-reactivity with prevalent Brazilian Neisseria meningitidis strains. Biologicals 2018; 55:19-26. [PMID: 30100326 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Trzewikoswki de Lima
- Departamento de Imunologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 355, 11 Andar, 01246902, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth De Gaspari
- Departamento de Imunologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 355, 11 Andar, 01246902, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Edwards JL, Jennings MP, Apicella MA, Seib KL. Is gonococcal disease preventable? The importance of understanding immunity and pathogenesis in vaccine development. Crit Rev Microbiol 2016; 42:928-41. [PMID: 26805040 PMCID: PMC4958600 DOI: 10.3109/1040841x.2015.1105782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Gonorrhea is a major, global public health problem for which there is no vaccine. The continuing emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains raises concerns that untreatable Neisseria gonorrhoeae may become widespread in the near future. Consequently, there is an urgent need for increased efforts towards the development of new anti-gonococcal therapeutics and vaccines, as well as suitable models for potential pre-clinical vaccine trials. Several current issues regarding gonorrhea are discussed herein, including the global burden of disease, the emergence of antibiotic-resistance, the status of vaccine development and, in particular, a focus on the model systems available to evaluate drug and vaccine candidates. Finally, alternative approaches to evaluate vaccine candidates are presented. Such approaches may provide valuable insights into the protective mechanisms, and correlates of protection, required to prevent gonococcal transmission, local infection and disease sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Edwards
- Department of Pediatrics, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State UniversityColumbus,
OH,
USA
| | | | | | - Kate L. Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University,
Gold Coast,
Australia
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13
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Piccini G, Torelli A, Gianchecchi E, Piccirella S, Montomoli E. FightingNeisseria meningitidis: past and current vaccination strategies. Expert Rev Vaccines 2016; 15:1393-1407. [DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2016.1187068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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14
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Impaired Immunogenicity of Meningococcal Neisserial Surface Protein A in Human Complement Factor H Transgenic Mice. Infect Immun 2015; 84:452-8. [PMID: 26597984 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01267-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisserial surface protein A (NspA) is a highly conserved outer membrane protein previously investigated as a meningococcal vaccine candidate. Despite eliciting serum bactericidal activity in mice, a recombinant NspA vaccine failed to elicit serum bactericidal antibodies in a phase 1 clinical trial in humans. The discordant results may be explained by the recent discovery that NspA is a human-specific ligand of the complement inhibitor factor H (FH). Therefore, in humans but not mice, NspA would be expected to form a complex with FH, which could impair human anti-NspA protective antibody responses. To investigate this question, we immunized human FH transgenic BALB/c mice with three doses of recombinant NspA expressed in Escherichia coli microvesicles, with each dose being separated by 3 weeks. Three of 12 (25%) transgenic mice and 13 of 14 wild-type mice responded with bactericidal titers of ≥1:10 in postimmunization sera (P = 0.0008, Fisher's exact test). In contrast, human FH transgenic and wild-type mice immunized with a control meningococcal native outer membrane vesicle vaccine had similar serum bactericidal antibody responses directed at PorA, which is not known to bind human FH, and a mutant factor H binding protein (FHbp) antigen with a >50-fold lower level of FH binding than wild-type FHbp antigen binding.Thus, human FH can impair anti-NspA serum bactericidal antibody responses, which may explain the poor immunogenicity of the NspA vaccine previously tested in humans. A mutant NspA vaccine engineered to have decreased binding to human FH may increase protective antibody responses in humans.
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Russell MW, Whittum-Hudson J, Fidel PL, Hook EW, Mestecky J. Immunity to Sexually Transmitted Infections. Mucosal Immunol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-415847-4.00112-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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He Y, Wang KY, Xiao D, Chen DF, Huang L, Liu T, Wang J, Geng Y, Wang EL, Yang Q. A recombinant truncated surface immunogenic protein (tSip) plus adjuvant FIA confers active protection against Group B streptococcus infection in tilapia. Vaccine 2014; 32:7025-7032. [PMID: 25446833 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tilapia is an important agricultural fish that has been plagued by Group B streptococcus (GBS) infections in recent years, some of them severe. It is well-known that surface immunogenicity protein (Sip) is an effective vaccine against GBS. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Since Sip was not expressed in either E. coli BL21 or E. coli Rosetta, we removed the N-terminal signal peptide and LysM of the virus to produce purified truncated Sip (tSip(1)), which multiplied easily in an E. coli host. The antibody's ability to recognize and combine with GBS was determined by Western-blot and specific staining in vitro. The relative percentage of survival (RPS), antibody titers, bacterial recovery, and pathologic morphology were monitored in vivo to evaluate the immune effects. Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) plus tSip and aluminum hydroxide gel (AH) plus tSip were also evaluated. RESULTS It revealed that tSip mixed with FIA was an effective vaccine against GBS in tilapia, while AH is toxic to tilapia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang He
- Department of Basic Veterinary, Veterinary Medicine College, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Kai-Yu Wang
- Department of Basic Veterinary, Veterinary Medicine College, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Dan Xiao
- Animal Health Research Institute of Tongwei Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - De-Fang Chen
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Animal Science& Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan 625014, PR China
| | - Lingyuan Huang
- Department of Basic Veterinary, Veterinary Medicine College, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Tianqiang Liu
- Animal Health Research Institute of Tongwei Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Basic Veterinary, Veterinary Medicine College, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yi Geng
- Department of Basic Veterinary, Veterinary Medicine College, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Er-Long Wang
- Department of Basic Veterinary, Veterinary Medicine College, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Qian Yang
- Department of Basic Veterinary, Veterinary Medicine College, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, Sichuan, PR China
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Ying S, He J, Yu M, Zhang Y, Deng S, Zhang L, Xie M, Hu S. Recombinant Neisseria surface protein A is a potential vaccine candidate against Neisseria meningitides serogroup B. Mol Med Rep 2014; 10:1619-25. [PMID: 24926810 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is the pathogen of epidemic encephalomyelitis and is responsible for permanent damage to the brain and nervous system. In the present study, the prokaryotic expression vector pGEX-6p-1/neisseria surface protein A (NspA) was constructed and the immune protective effect was investigated with the purified recombinant rNspA. Female BALB/c mice were immunized by intraperitoneal inoculation of rNspA, glutathione S-transferase (GST) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The protection experiment in mice demonstrated that the protection rate of the rNspA group was 85% against the N. meningitidis strain MC58, and a serum bactericidal assay in vitro revealed that the serum bactericidal titer of the rNspA group reached 1:64 following three immunizations. The levels of specific immunoglobulin (Ig) A (SIgA), IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3 of mice in the rNspA group peaked at week six and were higher than those in the mice in the GST and PBS groups. The levels of stimulation index, interleukin-4 and interferon-γ in the culture supernatant of the spleen lymphocytes of the rNspA group increased in a time-dependent manner and were higher than those of the mice in the GST and PBS groups over the same period. The results suggested that rNspA may induce increased specific humoral and cellular immune responses, and that it is effectively protective against N. meningitidis serogroup B in mice. The present study offered novel evidence that may lead to the development of a novel effective N. meningitidis serogroup B vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangyun Ying
- Pathogenic Biology Institute, College of Basic Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Jun He
- Pathogenic Biology Institute, College of Basic Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Minjun Yu
- Pathogenic Biology Institute, College of Basic Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Yukuai Zhang
- Pathogenic Biology Institute, College of Basic Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Suhong Deng
- Pathogenic Biology Institute, College of Basic Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Lusi Zhang
- Pathogenic Biology Institute, College of Basic Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Meihua Xie
- Pathogenic Biology Institute, College of Basic Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Sihai Hu
- Pathogenic Biology Institute, College of Basic Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
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Gasparini R, Amicizia D, Domnich A, Lai PL, Panatto D. Neisseria meningitidis B vaccines: recent advances and possible immunization policies. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 13:345-64. [PMID: 24476428 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2014.880341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Since the development of the first-generation vaccines based on outer membrane vesicles (OMV), which were able to contain strain-specific epidemics, but were not suitable for universal use, enormous steps forward in the prevention of Neisseria meningitidis B have been made. The first multicomponent vaccine, Bexsero(®), has recently been authorized for use; other vaccines, bivalent rLP2086 and next-generation OMV vaccines, are under development. The new vaccines may substantially contribute to reducing invasive bacterial infections as they could cover most Neisseria meningitidis B strains. Moreover, other potentially effective serogroup B vaccine candidates are being studied in preclinical settings. It is therefore appropriate to review what has recently been achieved in the prevention of disease caused by serogroup B.
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Abstract
Gonorrhoea continues to seriously impact human society with an estimated 106 million new infections occurring annually. The consequence of gonorrhoea on reproductive and neonatal health is especially concerning as is its role in the spread of HIV. Current control measures rely on the identification and treatment of infected individuals and their sexual contacts. The success of this strategy, which is already inadequate, is lessened by poor diagnostic capabilities in many parts of the world and challenged by the rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. The potential of untreatable gonorrhoea is now real, and a gonorrhoea vaccine is seriously needed. Historically, gonorrhoea vaccine research has been hampered by the antigenic variability of the gonococcal surface, a lack of known protective mechanisms, and the absence of a small laboratory animal model for testing candidate vaccines and manipulating host responses. Here we discuss recent advances that have rekindled research efforts towards a gonorrhoea vaccine. Several conserved and semiconserved vaccine antigens have been identified that elicit bactericidal antibodies or inhibit target function. A mouse genital tract infection model is available for systematic testing of vaccines, and transgenic mice have been developed to relieve host restrictions. Additionally, several immunological advances have been made including the identification of mechanisms by which Neisseria gonorrhoeae suppresses the adaptive response and the demonstration that Th1 responses clear experimental infection in mice and induce a protective memory response. We also discuss important issues with respect to product development that must be considered when entering the vaccine pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann E Jerse
- , Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Hebért School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, , Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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20
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Balmer P, Borrow R. Serologic correlates of protection for evaluating the response to meningococcal vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 3:77-87. [PMID: 14761245 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.3.1.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Meningococci cause serious disease worldwide and the organism remains the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children and young adults. The only effective means of controlling disease is through vaccination. Although polysaccharide vaccines have been available for serogroup A, C, Y and W135 for many years, serogroup C polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines have only recently been licensed in many countries. Conjugate vaccines for combinations of serogroup A, C, Y and W135 are progressing through clinical trials and major efforts are being made to develop a safe and efficacious vaccine against serogroup B. To assess the quality of the immune response after vaccination, laboratory correlates of protection are needed. For serogroups A and C, serum bactericidal antibody is a well established predictor for protection but for serogroup B, other mechanisms besides serum bactericidal antibody may also be involved in conferring protection against disease. The serologic correlates of protection for evaluating the response to meningococcal vaccines are described in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Balmer
- Vaccine Evaluation Department, NW Regional HPA Laboratory, Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership, PO Box 209, Clinical Sciences Building, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, M13 9WZ, UK
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21
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Anderson AS, Jansen KU, Eiden J. New frontiers in meningococcal vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 10:617-34. [DOI: 10.1586/erv.11.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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22
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Gorringe AR. CanNeisseria lactamicaantigens provide an effective vaccine to prevent meningococcal disease? Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 4:373-9. [PMID: 16026250 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.4.3.373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria lactamica is a commensal organism that is closely related to Neisseria meningitidis, the causative agent of meningococcal disease. N. lactamica has many antigens in common with N. meningitidis, but it lacks a polysaccharide capsule and the serosubtyping antigen PorA. Carriage studies have demonstrated that N. lactamica is carried in the nasopharynx of young children at a time when meningococcal carriage is rare. However, natural immunity to meningococcal disease develops during this period and carriage of commensal Neisseria is implicated in the development of this immunity. Recent studies have characterized the antigens which may be responsible for inducing a crossreactive antibody response and have demonstrated that N. lactamica-based vaccines can protect in experimental models of meningococcal disease. The potential for these vaccines to be effective in preventing meningococcal disease is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Gorringe
- Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Health Protection Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK.
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Does binding of complement factor H to the meningococcal vaccine antigen, factor H binding protein, decrease protective serum antibody responses? CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2013; 20:1099-107. [PMID: 23740919 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00260-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Factor H binding protein (fHbp) is a principal antigen in a multicomponent meningococcal vaccine recently licensed in Europe for prevention of serogroup B diseases. The protein recruits the complement downregulator, factor H (fH), to the bacterial surface, which enables the organism to resist complement-mediated bacteriolysis. Binding is specific for human fH. In preclinical studies, mice and rabbits immunized with fHbp vaccines developed serum bactericidal antibody responses, which in humans predict protection against developing meningococcal disease. These studies, however, were in animals whose fH did not bind to the vaccine antigen. Here we review the immunogenicity of fHbp vaccines in human fH transgenic mice. The data suggest that animals with high serum human fH concentrations have impaired protective antibody responses. Further, mutant fHbp vaccines with single amino acid substitutions that decrease fH binding are superior immunogens, possibly by unmasking epitopes in the fH binding site that are important for eliciting serum bactericidal antibody responses. Humans immunized with fHbp vaccines develop serum bactericidal antibody, but achieving broad coverage in infants required incorporation of additional antigens, including outer membrane vesicles, which increased rates of fever and local reactions at the injection site. The experimental results in transgenic mice predict that fHbp immunogenicity can be improved in humans by using mutant fHbp vaccines with decreased fH binding. These results have important public health implications for developing improved fHbp vaccines for control of serogroup B meningococcal disease and for development of vaccines against other microbes that bind host molecules.
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Gaspar EB, Rosetti AS, Lincopan N, De Gaspari E. Neisseria lactamica antigens complexed with a novel cationic adjuvant. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2013; 9:572-81. [PMID: 23296384 DOI: 10.4161/hv.23237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Colonization of the nasopharynx by non-pathogenic Neisseria species, including N. lactamica, has been suggested to lead to the acquisition of natural immunity against Neisseria meningitidis in young children. The aim of this study was to identify a model complex of antigens and adjuvant for immunological preparation against N. meningitidis B, based on cross reactivity with N. lactamica outer membrane vesicles (OMV) antigens and the (DDA-BF) adjuvant. Complexes of 25 µg of OMV in 0.1 mM of DDA-BF were colloidally stable, exhibiting a mean diameter and charge optimal for antigen presentation. Immunogenicity tests for these complexes were performed in mice. A single dose of OMV/DDA-BF was sufficient to induce a (DTH) response, while the same result was achieved only after two doses of OMV/alum. In addition, to achieve total IgG levels that are similar to a single immunization with OMV/DDA-BF, it was necessary to give the mice a second dose of OMV/alum. Moreover, the antibodies induced from a single immunization with OMV/DDA-BF had an intermediate avidity, but antibodies with a similar avidity were only induced by OMV/alum after two immunizations. The use of this novel cationic adjuvant for the first time with a N. lactamica OMV preparation revealed good potential for future vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuelle B Gaspar
- Embrapa Southern Region Animal Husbandry; Bagé, RS Brazil; Institute of Biomedical Sciences; Department of Microbiology; University of São Paulo; São Paulo, SP Brazil
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Ferreira T, De Gaspari E. The design of new adjuvants for mucosal immunity to Neisseria meningitidis B in nasally primed neonatal mice for adult immune response. ScientificWorldJournal 2012; 2012:292073. [PMID: 22545012 PMCID: PMC3324212 DOI: 10.1100/2012/292073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the value of detoxified Shiga toxins Stx1 and Stx2 (toxoids of Escherichia coli) as mucosal adjuvants in neonatal mice for immunogenicity against the outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of Neisseria meningitidis B. Mucosal immunization has been shown to be effective for the induction of antigen-specific immune responses in both the systemic and mucosal compartments. Systemic antibody levels (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgM, and IgA) and mucosal IgM and IgA were measured by ELISA using an N. meningitidis as an antigen. In addition, IFN-γ and IL-6 production were measured after stimulated proliferation of immune cells. Intranasal administration elicited a higher anti-OMP IgA response in both saliva and vaginal fluids. Our results suggest that both Stx1 and Stx2 toxoids are effective mucosal adjuvants for the induction of Ag-specific IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies. The toxoids significantly enhanced the IgG and IgM response against OMPs with a potency equivalent to CT, with the response being characterized by both IgG1 and IgG2a isotypes, and increased IFN-gamma production. Additionally, bactericidal activity was induced with IgG and IgM antibodies of high avidity. These results support the use of the new toxoids as potent inducing adjuvants that are particularly suitable for mucosal immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiane Ferreira
- Immunology Department, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Avenue Dr. Arnaldo 355, 11 andar, 01246-902 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Neisseria gonorrhoeae NspA induces specific bactericidal and opsonic antibodies in mice. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2011; 18:1817-22. [PMID: 21918113 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.05245-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae surface protein A (NspA) is a highly conserved gonococcal antigen. To explore the potential of NspA in vaccine development against gonorrhea, BALB/c mice were immunized with pcNspA containing the NspA gene from N. gonorrhoeae strain WHO-A via intramuscular (i.m.) injection, intranasal (i.n.) immunization, or intravaginal (i.vag.) immunization. Following the last DNA immunization, mice were boosted with recombinant NspA (rNspA). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) indicated that all immunized mice generated measurable NspA-specific IgG and IgA in serum and secretory IgA (sIgA) in vaginal wash fluids. The antisera had bactericidal and opsonic activities. These data demonstrated that NspA induced antibodies with antigonococcal activity.
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Björnsson H, Marteinsson V, Friðjónsson Ó, Linke D, Benediktsdóttir E. Isolation and characterization of an antigen from the fish pathogen Moritella viscosa. J Appl Microbiol 2011; 111:17-25. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2011.05023.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Characterization of Neisseria meningitidis isolates that do not express the virulence factor and vaccine antigen factor H binding protein. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2011; 18:1002-14. [PMID: 21508163 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00055-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis remains a leading cause of bacterial sepsis and meningitis. Complement is a key component of natural immunity against this important human pathogen, which has evolved multiple mechanisms to evade complement-mediated lysis. One approach adopted by the meningococcus is to recruit a human negative regulator of the complement system, factor H (fH), to its surface via a lipoprotein, factor H binding protein (fHbp). Additionally, fHbp is a key antigen in vaccines currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Here we characterize strains of N. meningitidis from several distinct clonal complexes which do not express fHbp; all strains were recovered from patients with disseminated meningococcal disease. We demonstrate that these strains have either a frameshift mutation in the fHbp open reading frame or have entirely lost fHbp and some flanking sequences. No fH binding was detected to other ligands among the fHbp-negative strains. The implications of these findings for meningococcal pathogenesis and prevention are discussed.
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Comparative genome biology of a serogroup B carriage and disease strain supports a polygenic nature of meningococcal virulence. J Bacteriol 2010; 192:5363-77. [PMID: 20709895 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00883-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B strains are responsible for most meningococcal cases in the industrialized countries, and strains belonging to the clonal complex ST-41/44 are among the most prevalent serogroup B strains in carriage and disease. Here, we report the first genome and transcriptome comparison of a serogroup B carriage strain from the clonal complex ST-41/44 to the serogroup B disease strain MC58 from the clonal complex ST-32. Both genomes are highly colinear, with only three major genome rearrangements that are associated with the integration of mobile genetic elements. They further differ in about 10% of their gene content, with the highest variability in gene presence as well as gene sequence found for proteins involved in host cell interactions, including Opc, NadA, TonB-dependent receptors, RTX toxin, and two-partner secretion system proteins. Whereas housekeeping genes coding for metabolic functions were highly conserved, there were considerable differences in their expression pattern upon adhesion to human nasopharyngeal cells between both strains, including differences in energy metabolism and stress response. In line with these genomic and transcriptomic differences, both strains also showed marked differences in their in vitro infectivity and in serum resistance. Taken together, these data support the concept of a polygenic nature of meningococcal virulence comprising differences in the repertoire of adhesins as well as in the regulation of metabolic genes and suggest a prominent role for immune selection and genetic drift in shaping the meningococcal genome.
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Lewis LA, Ngampasutadol J, Wallace R, Reid JEA, Vogel U, Ram S. The meningococcal vaccine candidate neisserial surface protein A (NspA) binds to factor H and enhances meningococcal resistance to complement. PLoS Pathog 2010; 6:e1001027. [PMID: 20686663 PMCID: PMC2912398 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1001027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2010] [Accepted: 06/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Complement forms an important arm of innate immunity against invasive meningococcal infections. Binding of the alternative complement pathway inhibitor factor H (fH) to fH-binding protein (fHbp) is one mechanism meningococci employ to limit complement activation on the bacterial surface. fHbp is a leading vaccine candidate against group B Neisseria meningitidis. Novel mechanisms that meningococci employ to bind fH could undermine the efficacy of fHbp-based vaccines. We observed that fHbp deletion mutants of some meningococcal strains showed residual fH binding suggesting the presence of a second receptor for fH. Ligand overlay immunoblotting using membrane fractions from one such strain showed that fH bound to a ∼17 kD protein, identified by MALDI-TOF analysis as Neisserial surface protein A (NspA), a meningococcal vaccine candidate whose function has not been defined. Deleting nspA, in the background of fHbp deletion mutants, abrogated fH binding and mAbs against NspA blocked fH binding, confirming NspA as a fH binding molecule on intact bacteria. NspA expression levels vary among strains and expression correlated with the level of fH binding; over-expressing NspA enhanced fH binding to bacteria. Progressive truncation of the heptose (Hep) I chain of lipooligosaccharide (LOS), or sialylation of lacto-N-neotetraose LOS both increased fH binding to NspA-expressing meningococci, while expression of capsule reduced fH binding to the strains tested. Similar to fHbp, binding of NspA to fH was human-specific and occurred through fH domains 6–7. Consistent with its ability to bind fH, deleting NspA increased C3 deposition and resulted in increased complement-dependent killing. Collectively, these data identify a key complement evasion mechanism with important implications for ongoing efforts to develop meningococcal vaccines that employ fHbp as one of its components. Neisseria meningitidis is an important cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis worldwide. The complement system is a family of proteins that is critical for innate immune defenses against this pathogen. In order to successfully colonize humans and cause disease, the meningococcus must escape killing by the complement system. In this study we show that meningococci can use one of its surface proteins called Neisserial surface protein A (NspA) to bind to a host complement inhibitory protein called factor H (fH). NspA is a protein vaccine candidate against group B meningococcal disease. Binding of fH limits complement activation on the bacterial surface and enhances the ability of the meningococcus to resist complement-dependent killing. Capsular polysaccharide expression decreases fH binding to NspA, while truncation of the core glycan chain of lipooligosaccharide increases fH binding to meningococcal NspA. Loss of NspA results in enhanced complement activation on the bacterial surface and increased complement-dependent killing of meningococci. Our findings have disclosed a novel function for NspA and sheds further light on how this pathogen evades killing by the complement system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Lewis
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
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Abstract
No broadly effective vaccines are available for prevention of group B meningococcal disease, which accounts for >50% of all cases. The group B capsule is an autoantigen and is not a suitable vaccine target. Outer-membrane vesicle vaccines appear to be safe and effective, but serum bactericidal responses in infants are specific for a porin protein, PorA, which is antigenically variable. To broaden protection, outer-membrane vesicle vaccines have been prepared from >1 strain, from mutants with >1 PorA, or from mutants with genetically detoxified endotoxin and overexpressed desirable antigens, such as factor H binding protein. Also, recombinant protein vaccines such as factor H binding protein, given alone or in combination with other antigens, are in late-stage clinical development and may be effective against the majority of group B strains. Thus, the prospects have never been better for developing vaccines for prevention of meningococcal disease, including that caused by group B strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan M Granoff
- Center for Immunobiology and Vaccine Development, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California, USA.
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Tsolakos N, Lie K, Bolstad K, Maslen S, Kristiansen PA, Høiby EA, Wallington A, Vipond C, Skehel M, Tang CM, Feavers IM, Wedege E, Wheeler JX. Characterization of meningococcal serogroup B outer membrane vesicle vaccines from strain 44/76 after growth in different media. Vaccine 2010; 28:3211-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2009] [Revised: 01/20/2010] [Accepted: 02/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Brehony C, Wilson DJ, Maiden MCJ. Variation of the factor H-binding protein of Neisseria meningitidis. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2009; 155:4155-4169. [PMID: 19729409 PMCID: PMC2801853 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.027995-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2009] [Revised: 08/13/2009] [Accepted: 08/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
There is currently no comprehensive meningococcal vaccine, due to difficulties in immunizing against organisms expressing serogroup B capsules. To address this problem, subcapsular antigens, particularly the outer-membrane proteins (OMPs), are being investigated as candidate vaccine components. If immunogenic, however, such antigens are often antigenically variable, and knowledge of the extent and structuring of this diversity is an essential part of vaccine formulation. Factor H-binding protein (fHbp) is one such protein and is included in two vaccines under development. A survey of the diversity of the fHbp gene and the encoded protein in a representative sample of meningococcal isolates confirmed that variability in this protein is structured into two or three major groups, each with a substantial number of alleles that have some association with meningococcal clonal complexes and serogroups. A unified nomenclature scheme was devised to catalogue this diversity. Analysis of recombination and selection on the allele sequences demonstrated that parts of the gene are subject to positive selection, consistent with immune selection on the protein generating antigenic variation, particularly in the C-terminal region of the peptide sequence. The highest levels of selection were observed in regions corresponding to epitopes recognized by previously described bactericidal monoclonal antibodies.
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MESH Headings
- Alleles
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Antigens, Bacterial/chemistry
- Antigens, Bacterial/genetics
- Antigens, Bacterial/immunology
- Bacterial Proteins/chemistry
- Bacterial Proteins/genetics
- Bacterial Proteins/immunology
- Base Sequence
- DNA Primers/genetics
- DNA, Bacterial/genetics
- Genes, Bacterial
- Genetic Variation
- Humans
- Meningococcal Infections/microbiology
- Meningococcal Vaccines/genetics
- Meningococcal Vaccines/immunology
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Neisseria meningitidis/classification
- Neisseria meningitidis/genetics
- Neisseria meningitidis/immunology
- Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroup A/classification
- Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroup A/genetics
- Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroup A/immunology
- Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroup B/classification
- Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroup B/genetics
- Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroup B/immunology
- Recombination, Genetic
- Selection, Genetic
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Serotyping
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Brehony
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Daniel J. Wilson
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, 920 East 58th Street, CLSC #410, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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35
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Pajon R, Yero D, Niebla O, Climent Y, Sardiñas G, García D, Perera Y, Llanes A, Delgado M, Cobas K, Caballero E, Taylor S, Brookes C, Gorringe A. Identification of new meningococcal serogroup B surface antigens through a systematic analysis of neisserial genomes. Vaccine 2009; 28:532-41. [PMID: 19837092 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.09.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2009] [Revised: 09/22/2009] [Accepted: 09/29/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The difficulty of inducing an effective immune response against the Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B capsular polysaccharide has lead to the search for vaccines for this serogroup based on outer membrane proteins. The availability of the first meningococcal genome (MC58 strain) allowed the expansion of high-throughput methods to explore the protein profile displayed by N. meningitidis. By combining a pan-genome analysis with an extensive experimental validation to identify new potential vaccine candidates, genes coding for antigens likely to be exposed on the surface of the meningococcus were selected after a multistep comparative analysis of entire Neisseria genomes. Eleven novel putative ORF annotations were reported for serogroup B strain MC58. Furthermore, a total of 20 new predicted potential pan-neisserial vaccine candidates were produced as recombinant proteins and evaluated using immunological assays. Potential vaccine candidate coding genes were PCR-amplified from a panel of representative strains and their variability analyzed using maximum likelihood approaches for detecting positive selection. Finally, five proteins all capable of inducing a functional antibody response vs N. meningitidis strain CU385 were identified as new attractive vaccine candidates: NMB0606 a potential YajC orthologue, NMB0928 the neisserial NlpB (BamC), NMB0873 a LolB orthologue, NMB1163 a protein belonging to a curli-like assembly machinery, and NMB0938 (a neisserial specific antigen) with evidence of positive selection appreciated for NMB0928. The new set of vaccine candidates and the novel proposed functions will open a new wave of research in the search for the elusive neisserial vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolando Pajon
- Meningococcal Research Department, Division of Vaccines, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Ave 31, Cubanacan, Habana 10600, Cuba.
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Lewis S, Sadarangani M, Hoe JC, Pollard AJ. Challenges and progress in the development of a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine. Expert Rev Vaccines 2009; 8:729-45. [PMID: 19485754 DOI: 10.1586/erv.09.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Serogroup B meningococci cause the majority of the meningococcal disease burden in developed countries. Production of an effective and safe vaccine for serogroup B organisms has been hampered by the poor immunogenicity of the capsular polysaccharide that defines this group of bacteria. Previous efforts have focused on outer membrane vesicle vaccines, which have been implemented successfully during clonal outbreaks. However, the search for a universal vaccine against endemic polyclonal serogroup B meningococcal disease continues. In this review, we have highlighted recent development of outer membrane vesicle vaccines and progress in the evaluation of recombinant outer membrane protein vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Lewis
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LJ, UK.
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37
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Carbonnelle E, Hill DJ, Morand P, Griffiths NJ, Bourdoulous S, Murillo I, Nassif X, Virji M. Meningococcal interactions with the host. Vaccine 2009; 27 Suppl 2:B78-89. [PMID: 19481311 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.04.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis interacts with host tissues through hierarchical, concerted and co-ordinated actions of a number of adhesins; many of which undergo antigenic and phase variation, a strategy that helps immune evasion. Three major structures, pili, Opa and Opc predominantly influence bacterial adhesion to host cells. Pili and Opa proteins also determine host and tissue specificity while Opa and Opc facilitate efficient cellular invasion. Recent studies have also implied a role of certain adhesin-receptor pairs in determining increased host susceptibility to infection. This chapter examines our current knowledge of meningococcal adhesion and invasion mechanisms particularly related to human epithelial and endothelial cells which are of primary importance in the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Carbonnelle
- INSERM, unité 570, Université Paris Descartes, 156 rue de Vaugirard, Paris 75015, France
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38
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Abstract
The development of a comprehensive vaccine against meningococcal disease has been challenging. Recent developments in molecular genetics have provided both explanations for these challenges and possible solutions. Since genome sequence data became available there has been a marked increase in number of protein antigens that have been suggested as prospective vaccine components. This review catalogues the proposed vaccine candidates and examines the evidence for their inclusion in potential protein vaccine formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M Feavers
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, United Kingdom.
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39
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O'Dwyer CA, Li MS, Langford PR, Kroll JS. Meningococcal biofilm growth on an abiotic surface - a model for epithelial colonization? MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2009; 155:1940-1952. [PMID: 19383679 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.026559-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis colonizes the human nasopharynx asymptomatically, often for prolonged periods, but occasionally invades from this site to cause life-threatening infection. In the nasopharynx aggregated organisms are closely attached to the epithelial surface, in a state in which the expression of components of the bacterial envelope differs significantly from that found in organisms multiplying exponentially in liquid phase culture or in the blood. We and others have hypothesized that here they are in the biofilm state, and to explore this we have investigated biofilm formation by the serogroup B strain MC58 on an abiotic surface, in a sorbarod system. Transcriptional changes were analysed, focusing on alteration in gene expression relevant to polysaccharide capsulation, lipooligosaccharide and outer-membrane protein synthesis - all phenotypes of importance in epithelial colonization. We report downregulation of genes controlling capsulation and the production of core oligosaccharide, and upregulation of genes encoding a range of outer-membrane components, reflecting phenotypic changes that have been established to occur in the colonizing state. A limited comparison with organisms recovered from an extended period of co-cultivation with epithelial cells suggests that this model system may better mirror natural colonization than do short-term meningococcal/epithelial cell co-cultivation systems. Modelling prolonged meningococcal colonization with a sorbarod system offers insight into gene expression during this important, but experimentally relatively inaccessible, phase of human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clíona A O'Dwyer
- Molecular Infectious Diseases Group, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Wright-Fleming Institute, St Mary's Hospital Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Ming-Shi Li
- Molecular Infectious Diseases Group, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Wright-Fleming Institute, St Mary's Hospital Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Paul R Langford
- Molecular Infectious Diseases Group, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Wright-Fleming Institute, St Mary's Hospital Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - J Simon Kroll
- Molecular Infectious Diseases Group, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Wright-Fleming Institute, St Mary's Hospital Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
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40
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Joshi VS, Bajaj IB, Survase SA, Singhal RS, Kennedy JF. Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccines: A review. Carbohydr Polym 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2008.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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41
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Sardiñas G, Yero D, Climent Y, Caballero E, Cobas K, Niebla O. Neisseria meningitidis antigen NMB0088: sequence variability, protein topology and vaccine potential. J Med Microbiol 2009; 58:196-208. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.004820-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The significance of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B membrane proteins as vaccine candidates is continually growing. Here, we studied different aspects of antigen NMB0088, a protein that is abundant in outer-membrane vesicle preparations and is thought to be a surface protein. The gene encoding protein NMB0088 was sequenced in a panel of 34 different meningococcal strains with clinical and epidemiological relevance. After this analysis, four variants of NMB0088 were identified; the variability was confined to three specific segments, designated VR1, VR2 and VR3. Secondary structure predictions, refined with alignment analysis and homology modelling using FadL of Escherichia coli, revealed that almost all the variable regions were located in extracellular loop domains. In addition, the NMB0088 antigen was expressed in E. coli and a procedure for obtaining purified recombinant NMB0088 is described. The humoral immune response elicited in BALB/c mice was measured by ELISA and Western blotting, while the functional activity of these antibodies was determined in a serum bactericidal assay and an animal protection model. After immunization in mice, the recombinant protein was capable of inducing a protective response when it was administered inserted into liposomes. According to our results, the recombinant NMB0088 protein may represent a novel antigen for a vaccine against meningococcal disease. However, results from the variability study should be considered for designing a cross-protective formulation in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretel Sardiñas
- Meningococcal Research Department, Division of Vaccines, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Avenue 31, Cubanacan, Habana 10600, Cuba
| | - Daniel Yero
- Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Biotechnology, Finlay Institute, Avenue 27, La Lisa, Habana 11600, Cuba
- Meningococcal Research Department, Division of Vaccines, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Avenue 31, Cubanacan, Habana 10600, Cuba
| | - Yanet Climent
- Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Biotechnology, Finlay Institute, Avenue 27, La Lisa, Habana 11600, Cuba
- Meningococcal Research Department, Division of Vaccines, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Avenue 31, Cubanacan, Habana 10600, Cuba
| | - Evelin Caballero
- Meningococcal Research Department, Division of Vaccines, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Avenue 31, Cubanacan, Habana 10600, Cuba
| | - Karem Cobas
- Meningococcal Research Department, Division of Vaccines, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Avenue 31, Cubanacan, Habana 10600, Cuba
| | - Olivia Niebla
- Meningococcal Research Department, Division of Vaccines, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Avenue 31, Cubanacan, Habana 10600, Cuba
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42
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Hsu CA, Lin WR, Li JC, Liu YL, Tseng YT, Chang CM, Lee YS, Yang CY. Immunoproteomic identification of the hypothetical protein NMB1468 as a novel lipoprotein ubiquitous inNeisseria meningitidis with vaccine potential. Proteomics 2008; 8:2115-25. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200700574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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43
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Bactericidal antibody responses induced by meningococcal recombinant chimeric factor H-binding protein vaccines. Infect Immun 2008; 76:2568-75. [PMID: 18362128 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00033-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Factor H-binding protein (fHbp) is a novel meningococcal vaccine candidate that elicits serum antibodies that activate classical complement pathway bacteriolysis and also inhibit binding of the complement down-regulatory protein, factor H, to the bacterial surface. One limitation of fHbp as a vaccine candidate is antigenic variability, since antibodies to fHbp in the variant 1 (v.1) antigenic group do not protect against strains expressing v.2 or v.3 proteins, and vice versa. We have identified amino acid residues of epitopes recognized by bactericidal anti-fHbp monoclonal antibodies prepared against fHbp from each of the variant groups. One epitope expressed by nearly all v.1 proteins mapped to the B domain, while epitopes expressed by fHbp v.2 or v.3 mapped to the C domain. The results provided the rationale for engineering chimeric fHbp molecules containing the A domain (which is conserved across all variant groups), a portion of the B domain of a v.1 protein, and the carboxyl-terminal portion of the B domain and the C domain of a v.2 protein. By enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the resulting recombinant chimeric proteins expressed epitopes from all three variant groups. In mice, the chimeric vaccines elicited serum antibodies with bactericidal activity against a panel of genetically diverse strains expressing fHbp v.1, v.2, or v.3. The data demonstrate the feasibility of preparing a meningococcal vaccine from a single recombinant protein that elicits broad bactericidal activity, including group B strains, which account for 50 percent of cases of meningococcal disease and for which there currently is no broadly protective vaccine.
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44
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Specificity of subcapsular antibody responses in Ethiopian patients following disease caused by serogroup A meningococci. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2008; 15:863-71. [PMID: 18337382 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00252-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Dissecting the specificities of human antibody responses following disease caused by serogroup A meningococci may be important for the development of improved vaccines. We performed a study of Ethiopian patients during outbreaks in 2002 and 2003. Sera were obtained from 71 patients with meningitis caused by bacteria of sequence type 7, as confirmed by PCR or culture, and from 113 Ethiopian controls. Antibody specificities were analyzed by immunoblotting (IB) against outer membrane antigen extracts of a reference strain and of the patients' own isolates and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels against lipooligosaccharide (LOS) L11 and the proteins NadA and NspA. IB revealed that the main antigens targeted were the proteins PorA, PorB, RmpM, and Opa/OpcA, as well as LOS. MenA disease induced significant increases in IgG against LOS L11 and NadA. The IgG levels against LOS remained elevated following disease, whereas the IgG anti-NadA levels returned to acute-phase levels in the late convalescent phase. Among adults, the anti-LOS IgG levels were similar in acute-phase patient sera as in control sera, whereas anti-NadA IgG levels were significantly higher in acute-phase sera than in controls. The IgG antibody levels against LOS and NadA correlated moderately but significantly with serum bactericidal activity against MenA strains. Future studies on immune response during MenA disease should take into account the high levels of anti-MenA polysaccharide IgG commonly found in the population and seek to clarify the role of antibodies against subcapsular antigens in protection against MenA disease.
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45
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Lipoprotein NMB0928 from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B as a novel vaccine candidate. Vaccine 2007; 25:8420-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.09.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2007] [Revised: 09/20/2007] [Accepted: 09/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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46
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Weynants VE, Feron CM, Goraj KK, Bos MP, Denoël PA, Verlant VG, Tommassen J, Peak IRA, Judd RC, Jennings MP, Poolman JT. Additive and synergistic bactericidal activity of antibodies directed against minor outer membrane proteins of Neisseria meningitidis. Infect Immun 2007; 75:5434-42. [PMID: 17664268 PMCID: PMC2168297 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00411-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B is a major cause of bacterial meningitis in younger populations. The available vaccines are based on outer membrane vesicles obtained from wild-type strains. In children less than 2 years old they confer protection only against strains expressing homologous PorA, a major, variable outer membrane protein (OMP). We genetically modified a strain in order to eliminate PorA and to overproduce one or several minor and conserved OMPs. Using a mouse model mimicking children's PorA-specific bactericidal activity, it was demonstrated that overproduction of more than one minor OMP is required to elicit antibodies able to induce complement-mediated killing of strains expressing heterologous PorA. It is concluded that a critical density of bactericidal antibodies needs to be reached at the surface of meningococci to induce complement-mediated killing. With minor OMPs, this threshold is reached when more than one antigen is targeted, and this allows cross-protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent E Weynants
- GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rue de l'Institut 89, B-1330 Rixensart, Belgium
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47
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Wedege E, Bolstad K, Aase A, Herstad TK, McCallum L, Rosenqvist E, Oster P, Martin D. Functional and specific antibody responses in adult volunteers in new zealand who were given one of two different meningococcal serogroup B outer membrane vesicle vaccines. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2007; 14:830-8. [PMID: 17494638 PMCID: PMC1951067 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00039-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2007] [Revised: 02/25/2007] [Accepted: 04/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study presents detailed analyses of total and specific serum antibody levels among 26 and 24 adult volunteers before vaccination and after the third dose of the meningococcal serogroup B outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccines MeNZB and MenBvac, respectively, in a clinical trial in New Zealand (V. Thornton, D. Lennon, K. Rasanathan, J. O'Hallahan, P. Oster, J. Stewart, S. Tilman, I. Aaberge, B. Feiring, H. Nokleby, E. Rosenqvist, K. White, S. Reid, K. Mulholland, M. J. Wakefield, and D. Martin, Vaccine 24:1395-1400, 2006). With the homologous vaccine strains as targets, both vaccines induced significant increases in serum bactericidal and opsonophagocytic activities and in the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) to OMV antigens in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and to live meningococci by flow cytometry. They also induced high levels of activity against the heterologous strains, particularly in terms of opsonophagocytic activity and IgG binding to live bacteria. The antibody levels with the homologous and heterologous strains in the four assays showed high and significant positive correlations. Specific IgG binding to 10 major OMV antigens in each vaccine was measured by scanning of immunoblots; ELISAs for two antigens, lipopolysaccharide and Neisseria surface protein A (NspA), were also performed. Both vaccines elicited significant increases in IgG binding to all homologous and heterologous OMV antigens except NspA. The total IgG band intensity on the blots correlated significantly with the IgG levels determined by the OMV ELISA and flow cytometry. In conclusion, the results of the various immunological assays showed that both OMV vaccines gave rise to high levels of specific and cross-reacting antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Wedege
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway.
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48
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Beernink PT, Welsch JA, Harrison LH, Leipus A, Kaplan SL, Granoff DM. Prevalence of factor H-binding protein variants and NadA among meningococcal group B isolates from the United States: implications for the development of a multicomponent group B vaccine. J Infect Dis 2007; 195:1472-9. [PMID: 17436227 PMCID: PMC2245893 DOI: 10.1086/514821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2006] [Accepted: 12/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two promising recombinant meningococcal protein vaccines are in development. One contains factor H-binding protein (fHBP) variants (v.) 1 and 2, whereas the other contains v.1 and 4 other antigens discovered by genome mining (5 component [5C]). Antibodies against fHBP are bactericidal against strains within a variant group. There are limited data on the prevalence of strains expressing different fHBP variants in the United States. METHODS A total of 143 group B isolates from patients hospitalized in the United States were tested for fHBP variant by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, for reactivity with 6 anti-fHBP monoclonal antibodies (MAb) by dot immunoblotting, and for susceptibility to bactericidal activity of mouse antisera. RESULTS fHBP v.1 isolates predominated in California (83%), whereas isolates expressing v.1 (53%) or v.2 (42%) were common in 9 other states. Isolates representative of 5 anti-fHBP MAb-binding phenotypes (70% of isolates) were highly susceptible to anti-fHBP v.1 or v.2 bactericidal activity, whereas 3 phenotypes were approximately 50% susceptible. Collectively, antibodies against the fHBP v.1 and v.2 vaccine and the 5C vaccine killed 76% and 83% of isolates, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Susceptibility to bactericidal activity can be predicted, in part, on the basis of fHBP phenotypes. Both vaccines have the potential to prevent most group B disease in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter T. Beernink
- Center for Immunobiology and Vaccine Development, Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California
| | - Jo Anne Welsch
- Center for Immunobiology and Vaccine Development, Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California
| | - Lee H. Harrison
- Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Arunas Leipus
- Center for Immunobiology and Vaccine Development, Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California
| | - Sheldon L. Kaplan
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Dan M. Granoff
- Center for Immunobiology and Vaccine Development, Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California
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49
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Williams JN, Skipp PJ, Humphries HE, Christodoulides M, O'Connor CD, Heckels JE. Proteomic analysis of outer membranes and vesicles from wild-type serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis and a lipopolysaccharide-deficient mutant. Infect Immun 2006; 75:1364-72. [PMID: 17158897 PMCID: PMC1828559 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01424-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Current experimental vaccines against serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis are based on meningococcal outer membrane (OM) proteins present in outer membrane vesicles (OMV) in which toxic lipopolysaccharide is depleted by detergent extraction. Knowledge of the composition of OM and OMV is essential for developing new meningococcal vaccines based on defined antigens. In the current study, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and nanocapillary liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were used to investigate the proteomes of OM and OMV from meningococcal strain MC58 and OM from a lipopolysaccharide-deficient mutant. The analysis of OM revealed a composition that was much more complex than the composition that has been reported previously; a total of 236 proteins were identified, only 6.4% of which were predicted to be located in the outer membrane. The most abundant proteins included not only the well-established major OM proteins (PorA, PorB, Opc, Rmp, and Opa) but also other proteins, such as pilus-associated protein Q (PilQ) and a putative macrophage infectivity protein. All of these proteins were also present in OMV obtained by extraction of the OM with deoxycholate. There were markedly increased levels of some additional proteins in OM from the lipopolysaccharide-deficient mutant, including enzymes that contribute to the tricarboxylic acid cycle. In all the preparations, the proteins not predicted to have an OM location were predominantly periplasmic or cytoplasmic or had an unknown location, and relatively few cytoplasmic membrane proteins were detected. However, several proteins that have previously been identified as potential vaccine candidates were not detected in either OM preparations or in OMV. These results have important implications for the development and use of vaccines based on outer membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannette N Williams
- Molecular Microbiology Group, Division of Infection Inflammation and Repair, University of Southampton Medical School, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom
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50
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Shaik YB, Grogan S, Davey M, Sebastian S, Goswami S, Szmigielski B, Genco CA. Expression of the iron-activated nspA and secY genes in Neisseria meningitidis group B by Fur-dependent and -independent mechanisms. J Bacteriol 2006; 189:663-9. [PMID: 17085550 PMCID: PMC1797404 DOI: 10.1128/jb.01638-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Our whole-genome microarray studies of Neisseria meningitidis MC58 previously identified a set of 153 genes whose transcription was activated during growth in iron. In this study, Fur-mediated regulation of the iron-activated nspA gene was confirmed, whereas iron-activated regulation of the secY gene was demonstrated to be Fur independent. Analysis of the Fur binding sequences in the nspA gene and an additional iron-activated and Fur-regulated gene identified a hexameric (G/T)ATAAT unit in the operator regions of these genes similar to that observed in Fur- and iron-repressed genes. These studies indicate that the expression of the iron-activated nspA and secY genes in N. meningitidis occur by Fur-dependent and -independent mechanisms, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazdani B Shaik
- Department of Medicine, Section of Molecular Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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