Neisseria gonorrhoeae antigens (N. gonorrhoeae antigens)

Neisseria gonorrhoeae antigens are a collection of surface-exposed molecules on the Gram-negative bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. These antigens, which include PorB porins, Opacity-associated (Opa) proteins, Type IV pili, and lipooligosaccharides (LOS), play critical roles in bacterial attachment to mucosal surfaces, invasion of host cells, and evasion of the host immune system (PMID: 31548650). PorB is the most abundant outer membrane protein and is essential for bacterial viability and nutrient transport, while Opa proteins mediate high-affinity binding to human CEACAM receptors (PMID: 25135307). Because these molecules are accessible to the immune system, they are the primary focus for the development of vaccines and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. However, the extreme antigenic variation and phase variation exhibited by N. gonorrhoeae allow the pathogen to rapidly alter its surface profile, complicating the development of a broadly protective vaccine (PMID: 30718510). Recent research has also explored the cross-protective potential of antigens found in the multicomponent meningococcal B vaccine (4CMenB) against gonococcal infection (PMID: 35417658).

Other names

Gonococcal antigensGC antigensNeisserial antigensOuter membrane proteins of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Vaccines targeting these antigens work by inducing the production of bactericidal antibodies that facilitate complement-mediated killing or opsonophagocytosis of the bacteria. Monoclonal antibodies target specific epitopes to neutralize bacterial adhesion or promote immune clearance (PMID: 31548650, PMID: 33046557).