Class 1/3 outer membrane protein vaccine against group B, type 15, subtype 16 meningococci

Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharides and outer membrane proteins have been incorporated in vaccines and the potential of these vaccines has been evaluated in man. Polysaccharides are the most attractive candidates for a vaccine against group A and C meningococci whereas outer membrane proteins may have a potential for a vaccine against group B meningococci. This paper describes the characteristics of the five classes of outer membrane proteins of group B meningococci and the protective (bactericidal) activity of monoclonal antibodies against class 1 and 2 or 3 outer membrane proteins. Monoclonal antibodies against class 1 outer membrane proteins were bactericidal irrespective of the growth conditions of the bacterium. On the other hand, these conditions influenced the bactericidal activity of monoclonal antibodies against class 2 or 3 outer membrane proteins. These data indicate that class 1 outer membrane protein is an attractive component of a vaccine. The Blake and Gotschlich procedure for the isolation of gonococcal outer membrane protein II (1) was adapted for the isolation of a combination of class 1 and 3 outer membrane proteins from group B, type 15 meningococci. The combination of both outer membrane proteins was adsorbed to ALPO4 in the presence of the detergent Zwittergent 3-14. The vaccine was injected into mice. The antibodies were strongly bactericidal and Western blot analysis indicated that both outer membrane proteins induced antibodies. The vaccine may have a potential to combat an epidemic caused by group B, type 15 meningococci. Such an epidemic was observed in some N.W. - European countries.