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Analysis of PorA variable region 3 in meningococci: implications for vaccine policy?
S C Clarke1, M A Diggle, P Mölling
1Scottish Meningococcus and Pneumococcus Reference Laboratory, North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust, Stobhill Hospital, Balornock Road, Glasgow G21 3UW, Scotland, UK. stuart.clarke@northglasgow.scot.nhs.uk
Abstract:
Outer membrane protein (OMP) vaccines are being developed against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B which may provide protection against common circulating serotypes and serosubtypes in some countries. However, limited data is available in Europe from genosubtyping meningococci. We therefore undertook a retrospective analysis of the three main variable regions, VR1, VR2 as well as VR3, of the porA gene from N. meningitidis isolated from different countries, mainly from Scotland and Sweden. Analysis of this gene showed that, amongst 226 strains studied, there were a total of 78 different strains. No new VR1 or VR2 alleles were found but five new VR3 alleles are described. Our data indicates the importance of analysing the VR3 region of PorA in addition to VR1 and VR2 and also highlights, in general terms, the need for genosubtyping meningococci. Such analyses have major implications for the design of new meningococcal vaccines.
Insights
Genosubtyping Neisseria meningitidis porA genes, including VR3, is crucial for developing effective outer membrane protein vaccines. This analysis revealed new VR3 alleles, essential for vaccine design against meningococcal serogroup B.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Vaccinology
- Genetics
Background:
- Outer membrane protein (OMP) vaccines are under development for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.
- Limited European data exists on genosubtyping meningococci for vaccine design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the porA gene's variable regions (VR1, VR2, VR3) of N. meningitidis strains from Europe.
- To assess the utility of genosubtyping for informing meningococcal vaccine development.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of the porA gene's VR1, VR2, and VR3 regions.
- Genosubtyping of 226 N. meningitidis strains primarily from Scotland and Sweden.
Main Results:
- A total of 78 distinct strains were identified among the 226 isolates.
- No new VR1 or VR2 alleles were discovered.
- Five novel VR3 alleles of the porA gene were identified.
Conclusions:
- Analysis of the VR3 region of PorA is important alongside VR1 and VR2.
- Genosubtyping of meningococci is essential for effective vaccine design.
- Findings have significant implications for developing new meningococcal vaccines.