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Experience with MCV-4, a meningococcal, diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine against serogroups A, C, Y and W-135

Harry L Keyserling1, Andrew J Pollard, Lisa M DeTora

  • 1Emory University School of Medicine, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. hkeyser@emory.edu

Expert Review of Vaccines
|September 23, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A new meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV-4) offers protection against invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135. Clinical trials show it is safe, well-tolerated, and induces lasting immune responses.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) remains a global health concern, causing significant morbidity and mortality.
  • Epidemiology of IMD varies, with serogroups A, B, C, W-135, and Y being the most prevalent globally.
  • Neisseria meningitidis infections can lead to severe illness and death in healthy individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of Menactra (MCV-4), a quadrivalent meningococcal diphtheria-conjugate vaccine.
  • To assess the duration of antibody persistence and response to revaccination with MCV-4.
  • To determine the clinical benefits of MCV-4 in preventing invasive meningococcal disease.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical trials were conducted to assess immune responses to MCV-4.
  • Antibody levels were measured post-vaccination to evaluate immunogenicity.
  • Post-marketing surveillance data were analyzed for safety and tolerability.

Main Results:

  • MCV-4 demonstrated robust immune responses correlating with protection against targeted serogroups.
  • Antibodies induced by MCV-4 persisted for up to 3 years post-administration.
  • Revaccination elicited anamnestic responses, indicating sustained immune memory.
  • The vaccine was well-tolerated, with mild, transient injection-site reactions and headache being the most common adverse events.

Conclusions:

  • MCV-4 is a safe and effective vaccine for preventing invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135.
  • The vaccine provides long-lasting immunity and anamnestic responses upon revaccination.
  • MCV-4 is expected to significantly reduce the burden of meningococcal disease in the future.

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