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Infect. Immun., Jan 1997, 55-63, Vol 65, No. 1
B Rokbi, M Mignon, G Maitre-Wilmotte, L Lissolo, B Danve, DA Caugant and MJ Quentin- Millet
Transferrin-binding protein B (TbpB) is a surface-exposed protein, variable
among strains of Neisseria meningitidis, that has been considered as a
vaccine candidate. To define a TbpB molecule that would give rise to
broadly cross-reactive antibodies with TbpB of many strains, specific
antisera were produced against three recombinant TbpB variants from strain
M982: one corresponding to the full-length TbpB; one in which stretches of
amino acids located in the central part of the molecule, described as
hypervariable, have been deleted; and one corresponding to the N-terminal
half of the molecule, described as the human transferrin binding domain.
The reactivity of these antisera against 58 serogroup B strains with a
2.1-kb tbpB gene representing different genotypes, serotypes, and subtypes
and different geographic origins was tested on intact meningococcal cells.
In parallel, the bactericidal activity of the antisera was evaluated
against 15 of the 58 strains studied. Of the 58 strains, 56 (98%) reacted
with the antiserum specific for the N-terminal half of TbpB M982; this
antiserum was bactericidal against 9 of 15 strains (60%). On the other
hand, 43 of 58 strains reacted with the antiserum raised to full-length
TbpB while 12 of 15 (80%) were killed with this antiserum. The antiserum
specific to TbpB deleted of its central domain gave intermediate results,
with 53 of 58 strains (91.3%) recognized and 10 of 15 (66.6%) killed. These
results indicate that the N-terminal half of TbpB was sufficient to induce
cross-reactive antibodies reacting with the protein on meningococcal cells
but that the presence of the C-terminal half of the protein is necessary
for the induction of cross- bactericidal antibodies.
Copyright © 1997, American Society for Microbiology
Evaluation of recombinant transferrin-binding protein B variants from Neisseria meningitidis for their ability to induce cross-reactive and bactericidal antibodies against a genetically diverse collection of serogroup B strains
Pasteur Merieux Serums et Vaccins, Marcy-l'Etoile, France.
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