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Diversity of factor H-binding protein in Neisseria meningitidis carriage isolates

Jane W Marsh1, Kathleen A Shutt, Rolando Pajon

  • 1Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, United States. jwmarsh@pitt.edu

Vaccine
|June 28, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Meningococcal vaccines targeting factor H-binding protein (FHbp) may not cover common strains found in carriage isolates. Most carriage isolates harbor FHbp variant 2/subfamily A, which is underrepresented in current vaccine candidates.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Vaccinology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B causes significant disease.
  • Factor H-binding protein (FHbp) is a target for serogroup B vaccines.
  • The impact of FHbp-based vaccines on meningococcal carriage is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the diversity of FHbp in meningococcal carriage isolates.
  • To assess the representation of FHbp variants in carriage isolates compared to vaccine candidates.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of fHbp gene sequences from 408 carriage isolates collected in 1998 and 2006-2007.
  • Phylogenetic and sequence analyses to classify FHbp variants and subfamilies.
  • Recombination and linkage disequilibrium analyses to understand genetic diversity.

Main Results:

  • Identified 30 distinct FHbp protein sequences among carriage isolates.
  • FHbp variant 2/subfamily A was the most prevalent.
  • FHbp variants targeted by current vaccines were largely absent or underrepresented in carriage isolates.
  • Evidence of recombination contributing to FHbp diversity.

Conclusions:

  • The FHbp diversity in carriage isolates suggests current vaccine candidates may have limited coverage.
  • Understanding FHbp genetic repertoire is crucial for predicting vaccine impact on meningococcal carriage.
  • Further research is needed to ensure vaccine efficacy against circulating strains.

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