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Looking beyond meningococcal B with the 4CMenB vaccine: the Neisseria effect
Yara Ruiz García1, Woo-Yun Sohn2, Kate L Seib3
1GSK, Rockville, MD, USA. yara.x.ruiz@gsk.com.
Abstract:
Infections with Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae have different clinical manifestations, but the bacteria share up to 80-90% genome sequence identity. The recombinant meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccine 4CMenB consists of four antigenic components that can be present in non-B meningococcal and gonococcal strains. This comprehensive review summarizes scientific evidence on the genotypic and phenotypic similarities between vaccine antigens and their homologs expressed by non-B meningococcal and gonococcal strains. It also includes immune responses of 4CMenB-vaccinated individuals and effectiveness and impact of 4CMenB against these strains. Varying degrees of strain coverage were estimated depending on the non-B meningococcal serogroup and antigenic repertoire. 4CMenB elicits immune responses against non-B meningococcal serogroups and N. gonorrhoeae. Real-world evidence showed risk reductions of 69% for meningococcal serogroup W clonal complex 11 disease and 40% for gonorrhea after 4CMenB immunization. In conclusion, functional antibody activity and real-world evidence indicate that 4CMenB has the potential to provide some protection beyond MenB disease.
Insights
The 4CMenB vaccine, designed for meningococcal serogroup B, shows potential protection against other meningococcal strains and gonorrhea. Real-world data indicate reduced risks for serogroup W disease and gonorrhea following immunization.
Area of Science:
- Bacteriology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae share high genome identity despite different diseases.
- The 4CMenB vaccine contains antigens found in various meningococcal and gonococcal strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on similarities between 4CMenB vaccine antigens and homologs in non-B meningococcal and gonococcal strains.
- To assess immune responses and vaccine effectiveness of 4CMenB against these related strains.
Main Methods:
- Genomic and phenotypic analysis of vaccine antigens and their homologs.
- Review of studies on immune responses in 4CMenB-vaccinated individuals.
- Analysis of real-world effectiveness data against non-B meningococcal and gonococcal infections.
Main Results:
- 4CMenB antigens show similarities to homologs in non-B meningococcal and gonococcal strains.
- The vaccine elicits immune responses against non-B meningococcal serogroups and N. gonorrhoeae.
- Real-world data show significant risk reduction for serogroup W disease and gonorrhea.
Conclusions:
- Functional antibody activity supports cross-protection.
- 4CMenB demonstrates potential to offer protection beyond serogroup B meningococcal disease.
- Evidence suggests broader applicability of the 4CMenB vaccine.
