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Meningococcal lipopolysaccharides: virulence factor and potential vaccine component
A F Verheul1, H Snippe, J T Poolman
1Eijkman-Winkler Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Academic Hospital, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
Microbiological Reviews
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Meningococcal lipopolysaccharides (LPS) vary slightly but significantly impact immune responses. Detoxified LPS or derived oligosaccharides show promise for developing effective vaccines against group B meningococci.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are outer membrane components of Neisseria meningitidis.
- Twelve meningococcal LPS immunotypes exist, with three prevalent in Western countries.
- Minor structural variations in LPS significantly alter immunochemical and immunological properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the role of meningococcal LPS in disease pathogenesis.
- To explore the potential of LPS-derived components in vaccine development against group B meningococci.
- To review the development and status of meningococcal LPS-based conjugate vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on meningococcal LPS structure and function.
- Analysis of LPS immunochemical and immunological properties.
- Discussion of vaccine development strategies utilizing LPS components.
Main Results:
- Meningococcal LPS structure variations influence immunogenicity and host evasion mechanisms (e.g., sialylation).
- LPS contributes to septic shock and may enhance meningococcal invasiveness.
- Detoxified LPS or oligosaccharide derivatives are potential vaccine candidates.
Conclusions:
- Meningococcal LPS structure dictates its immunobiological activity.
- LPS-derived oligosaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines represent a promising strategy for group B meningococcal vaccines.
- Further research into LPS structure-function relationships is crucial for vaccine efficacy.