Basic Studies Related to the Development of a Polyvalent Meningococcal Vaccine.
Abstract
Two aspects of the development of a polyvalent meningococal vaccine were studied. The first objective was to determine whether Neisseria meningitidis strain 8021 that produces a capsular polysaccharide with the serologic specificities of both the Y and W capsules produces its mosaic capsule with sufficient stability to make it a candidate for inclusion in vaccine. The second aim was to determine the nature of the human immune response to the group 29E (E) capsular polysaccharide. Expression of the two polysaccharide specificities by strain 8021 was not stable, an dthus this polysaccharide is not a suitable vaccine candidate. Development of monovalent group Y and W vaccines has been completed. Humans were found to respond to two epitopes contained within the E polysaccharide. Response varied by individual and in Ig Isotype. It was concluded that neither the E nor Z polysaccharides should be considered for inclusion in a polyvalent vaccine until their immunochemistry was more completly understood. The cross -reaction observed between the E polysaccharide and enteric LPS is one of set of cross-reactions, the precise molecular basis of which remains obscure. It involves the glucosamine moiety in the LPS lipid A backboner and the galactosamine moiety of the E polysaccharide, rather than the carboxylic acid residues of d0c1A substituents common to both molecules.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA174158
Entities
People
- Edward H. Kass
- J. M. Griffiss