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Sequence variability of the meningococcal lactoferrin-binding protein LbpB
A Pettersson1, J van der Biezen, V Joosten
1Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
The lactoferrin receptor of Neisseria meningitidis consists of two proteins, LbpA and LbpB. LbpB is considered a promising vaccine candidate, and therefore its sequence variability was studied. LbpB from five different strains exhibited 70-80% mutual identity at the amino acid level. Most sequence variability was found in two stretches with a high content of negatively charged amino acids. These stretches were sequenced from six additional strains. One of the stretches is of variable length and is missing in some of the strains. The other stretch is present in all strains, but varies considerably in its exact amino acid sequence. The high degree of variability is disadvantageous for vaccine development, but may be useful for epidemiological studies.
Insights
Sequence variability in Neisseria meningitidis LbpB, a vaccine candidate, was analyzed. High variability in key regions presents challenges for vaccine development but offers potential for epidemiological tracking.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is a significant human pathogen.
- The lactoferrin receptor (Lbp) facilitates N. meningitidis iron acquisition.
- LbpB is a key component of the lactoferrin receptor and a potential vaccine target.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sequence variability of the LbpB protein from Neisseria meningitidis.
- To assess the implications of LbpB sequence diversity for vaccine development and epidemiological studies.
Main Methods:
- Amino acid sequencing of the LbpB protein from multiple N. meningitidis strains.
- Comparative analysis of LbpB sequences to identify regions of variability.
Main Results:
- LbpB sequences from five strains showed 70-80% amino acid identity.
- Two distinct regions with high variability and negative charge content were identified.
- One variable region exhibited length polymorphism, being absent in some strains.
- The second variable region, present in all strains, showed significant sequence divergence.
Conclusions:
- High sequence variability in LbpB poses challenges for developing a broadly protective meningococcal vaccine.
- The identified variable regions in LbpB may serve as valuable markers for epidemiological surveillance and strain typing.