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Updated: Aug 29, 2026
A Multiplex Serological Assay for the Detection of Antibody Responses to Arboviruses
Published on: November 4, 2025
Serologic correlates of protection for evaluating the response to meningococcal vaccines
1Vaccine Evaluation Department, NW Regional HPA Laboratory, Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership, PO Box 209, Clinical Sciences Building, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, M13 9WZ, UK.
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.
Insights
Vaccination is key to controlling meningococcal disease. This review details serologic correlates of protection needed to evaluate immune responses to meningococcal vaccines, especially for serogroup B.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Meningococci cause significant global disease, particularly bacterial meningitis in children and young adults.
- Vaccination is the primary method for controlling meningococcal disease.
- Existing vaccines target serogroups A, C, Y, and W135, with newer conjugate vaccines and ongoing efforts for serogroup B.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the laboratory correlates of protection for evaluating immune responses to meningococcal vaccines.
- To highlight the need for reliable measures to assess vaccine efficacy.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing knowledge on serologic correlates of protection.
- It discusses established and emerging methods for assessing immune responses to meningococcal vaccines.
Main Results:
- Serum bactericidal antibody is a validated correlate of protection for serogroups A and C.
- For serogroup B, protection may involve mechanisms beyond serum bactericidal antibody, necessitating further research into correlates.
Conclusions:
- Accurate serologic correlates of protection are essential for assessing the quality of immune responses to meningococcal vaccines.
- Development of effective serogroup B vaccines requires a comprehensive understanding of protective immune mechanisms.
