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PorA VR3 Typing Database: a web-based resource for the determination of PorA VR3 alleles of Neisseria meningitidis

Ivano de Filippis1, Vivek Gopalan, Yentram Huyen

  • 1Instituto Nacional de Controle de Qualidade em Saúde/FIOCRUZ, Av. Brasil, 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brazil. ivano.defilippis@incqs.fiocruz.br

Infection, Genetics and Evolution : Journal of Molecular Epidemiology and Evolutionary Genetics in Infectious Diseases
|August 31, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Meningococcal PorA protein variable regions (VR) are key for subtyping and vaccines. A new database and web tool now track and identify VR3 variants for improved Meningococcal research and vaccine development.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Vaccinology
  • Bioinformatics

Background:

  • The PorA protein's variable regions (VR) on Neisseria meningitidis are crucial for serogrouping and are major components of outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccines.
  • Accurate identification of PorA VR subtypes is essential for epidemiological surveillance and vaccine efficacy assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a centralized database for cataloging known PorA VR3 alleles.
  • To create a user-friendly web application for the rapid identification and submission of novel PorA VR3 variants.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a comprehensive database to store PorA VR3 allele sequences.
  • Implementation of a web-based application utilizing sequence comparison algorithms for variant identification.
  • Data curation and validation for database integrity.

Main Results:

  • Successfully established a database containing all known PorA VR3 alleles.
  • Developed and deployed a functional web application enabling rapid submission and identification of new VR3 variants.
  • Demonstrated the utility of the tool for tracking meningococcal diversity.

Conclusions:

  • The developed database and web application provide a valuable resource for researchers studying meningococcal PorA diversity.
  • This tool facilitates enhanced surveillance and supports the development of more effective meningococcal vaccines.
  • Streamlined identification of VR3 variants aids in understanding pathogen evolution and vaccine escape mechanisms.

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