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Immunological and molecular characterization of three variant subtype P1.14 strains of Neisseria meningitidis

N B Saunders1, B L Brandt, R L Warren

  • 1Department of Bacterial Diseases, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, DC 20307-5100, USA. Dr._Nancy_Saunderss@wrsmtp-ccmail.army.mil

Infection and Immunity
|June 25, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Minor variations in Neisseria meningitidis subtypes can be identified using combined molecular and immunologic testing. This is crucial for developing effective subtype-specific vaccines against group B meningococcal disease.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Epidemic outbreaks of group B meningococcal disease are often clonal, defined by serotype-subtype.
  • Subtype classification relies on monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) targeting variable regions (VR1, VR2) of the Neisseria meningitidis class 1 protein.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and characterize a new MAb for classifying a nonsubtypeable (NST) strain of N. meningitidis.
  • To investigate minor variations within the P1.14 subtype and their impact on MAb binding.

Main Methods:

  • Dot blot analysis using a novel MAb against NST strain 7967 and prototype P1.14 strain S3446.
  • Binding assays with outer membrane complex proteins, immobilized peptides, and soluble peptides.
  • Deduced amino acid analysis of variable regions.

Main Results:

  • A new MAb bound to both NST strain 7967 and prototype P1.14 strain S3446.
  • Most P1.14 strains (15/16) bound both the prototype MAb and the new MAb.
  • Single amino acid changes (KM, NM, KK) within VR2 likely explain differential MAb binding characteristics.

Conclusions:

  • Minor variations within N. meningitidis subtype variable regions require combined molecular and immunologic testing for accurate identification.
  • Understanding these variations is critical for the development and efficacy testing of subtype-specific vaccines.

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