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Molecular Mimicry between Meningococcal B Factor H-Binding Protein and Human Proteins

Darja Kanduc1

  • 1Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.

Global Medical Genetics
|November 29, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Molecular mimicry can cause autoimmune reactions after meningococcal B vaccination. Researchers caution against using whole antigens for active immunization due to potential adverse events.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) are a concern.
  • Meningococcal B vaccines are widely used.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms behind AEFIs after meningococcal B vaccination.
  • To evaluate the safety of using entire antigens in vaccine development.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of molecular mimicry.
  • Assessment of autoimmune cross-reactivity.

Main Results:

  • Molecular mimicry identified as a key mechanism for AEFIs.
  • Autoimmune cross-reactivity demonstrated.

Conclusions:

  • Molecular mimicry and autoimmune cross-reactivity can lead to adverse events post-vaccination.
  • Whole antigen-based immunization strategies warrant caution.
Keywords:
Trumenba vaccineadverse eventsfactor H-binding proteinhuman proteomemolecular mimicry

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