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Extensive Genetic Diversity and Epidemiological Patterns of Factor H-Binding Protein Variants among Neisseria
Zhizhou Tan1, Juan Xu1, Jie Che1
1National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China.
Abstract:
Factor H-binding protein (fHbp) is a virulence factor expressed by Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis), the primary causative agent of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in humans. fHbp is utilized as the main component in vaccines to provide protection against IMD caused by serogroup B N. meningitidis. In order to comprehensively investigate the genetic diversity and epidemiological patterns of fHbp variants within isolates of Chinese N. meningitidis, we utilized the NEIS0349 locus, which encompasses the complete coding sequences of fHbp. This enabled us to identify allelic variants of fHbp with enhanced resolution. A total of 109 fHbp variants were identified in 1013 Chinese N. meningitidis isolates. We reconstructed a phylogenetic tree and analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of each variant. Considering both temporal and geographical distribution patterns, only four fHbp variants (v2.16, v2.18, v2.404, and v2.21) exhibited persistent nationwide prevalence during the previous decade (2011-2021). These variants were highly prevalent in both serogroup B strains from patients and healthy individuals, suggesting their potential as suitable vaccine candidates for nationwide implementation against IMD caused by serogroup B strains. Our study emphasizes the significance of conducting continuous surveillance of meningococcal strains to monitor the genetic diversity of fHbp for the purpose of vaccine development.
Insights
Factor H-binding protein (fHbp) variants in Chinese Neisseria meningitidis were analyzed. Four specific fHbp variants show persistent prevalence, indicating potential for broad-spectrum serogroup B vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Vaccine Development
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Factor H-binding protein (fHbp) is a key virulence factor of Neisseria meningitidis, crucial for developing vaccines against serogroup B invasive meningococcal disease (IMD).
- Understanding the genetic diversity and epidemiology of fHbp variants is essential for effective vaccine strategies.
- China presents a unique epidemiological landscape for Neisseria meningitidis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively investigate the genetic diversity and epidemiological patterns of fHbp variants in Chinese Neisseria meningitidis isolates.
- To identify prevalent fHbp variants suitable for nationwide vaccine development against serogroup B IMD.
- To establish a basis for ongoing surveillance of meningococcal strains.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the NEIS0349 locus encompassing complete fHbp coding sequences in 1013 Chinese N. meningitidis isolates.
- Identification and characterization of 109 distinct fHbp allelic variants.
- Phylogenetic reconstruction and epidemiological analysis, including temporal and geographical distribution.
Main Results:
- A total of 109 fHbp variants were identified among 1013 Chinese N. meningitidis isolates.
- Four fHbp variants (v2.16, v2.18, v2.404, and v2.21) demonstrated persistent nationwide prevalence from 2011-2021.
- These prevalent variants were found in both patient and healthy carrier serogroup B strains.
Conclusions:
- Specific fHbp variants exhibit consistent nationwide prevalence in China, highlighting their importance in the local epidemiology of IMD.
- The identified prevalent fHbp variants are promising candidates for inclusion in next-generation vaccines targeting serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis.
- Continuous surveillance of fHbp genetic diversity is critical for informing and adapting vaccine development strategies against invasive meningococcal disease.
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