Premium
Optimization of the conjugation method for a serogroup B/C meningococcal vaccine
Author(s) -
Fukasawa Lucila O.,
Schenkman Rocilda P. F.,
Perciani Catia T.,
Carneiro Sylvia M.,
Dias Waldely O.,
Tanizaki Martha M.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
biotechnology and applied biochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.468
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1470-8744
pISSN - 0885-4513
DOI - 10.1042/ba20060041
Subject(s) - immunogenicity , antigenicity , conjugate , conjugate vaccine , microbiology and biotechnology , bacterial outer membrane , chemistry , neisseria meningitidis , antigen , virology , biology , biochemistry , bacteria , escherichia coli , immunology , gene , mathematical analysis , genetics , mathematics
A conjugate meningococcal vaccine against serogroup B/C consisting of capsular PS (polysaccharide) from serogroup C conjugated to OMV (outer membrane vesicle) from serogroup B would be a very useful vaccine in regions where there is a prevalence of both serogroups, for example in Brazil. For this purpose, the conjugation method that uses ADHy (adipic acid dihydrazide) as spacer and a carbodi‐imide derivative, EDAC [1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)carbodi‐imide], as catalyser was optimized looking for synthesis yield and maintenance of the antigenicity of both components. The best synthesis conditions preserving the vaccine immunogenicity resulted in a final yield of approx. 17%. Immunogenicity of the vaccine was highest when 10% of the sialic acid residues of the PS were occupied by the ADHy spacer. Sterilization of the conjugate by filtration through a 0.22‐μm‐pore‐size membrane resulted in a low recovery of protein and PS (∼50%), although the vaccine immunogenicity was maintained. Using γ irradiation on freeze‐dried sample, it was possible to maintain the integrity of OMV structure and, consequently, its ability to induce bactericidal antibodies.