Rapid genetic grouping of factor h-binding protein (genome-derived neisserial antigen 1870), a promising group B meningococcal vaccine candidate.

ABSTRACT: The most important antigen component of a promising multicomponent group B meningococcal recombinant protein vaccine is based on genome-derived neisserial antigen 1870, which recently was renamed factor H-binding protein (FHBP) to reflect one of its critical functions as a complement regulatory protein. Neisseria meningitidis strains can be subdivided into three FHBP variant groups based on divergence of FHBP amino acid sequences. Within each variant group, amino acid sequences are >90% conserved. To develop an FHBP-based group B vaccine, it is important to know the distribution of FHBP variant 1, 2, and 3 strains in different geographic regions, since antibodies against FHBP are bactericidal against strains within the homologous group but show minimal activity against strains from other g

SUBMITTER: Beernink PT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1489572 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature