OpcA and PorB Are Novel Bactericidal Antigens of the 4CMenB Vaccine in Mice and Humans

Overview

Journal NPJ Vaccines

Date 2023 Apr 12

PMID 37045859

Authors

Viola Viviani

Adele Fantoni

Sara Tomei

Sara Marchi

Enrico Luzzi

Margherita Bodini

Alessandro Muzzi

Marzia M Giuliani

Domenico Maione

Jeremy P Derrick

Isabel Delany

Mariagrazia Pizza

Alessia Biolchi

Erika Bartolini

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

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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