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Target intelligence / Profile preview
Neisseria meningitidis Neisserial heparin binding antigen (NHBA)
- Target
- NHBA
- Molecular classification
- Surface-exposed lipoprotein, Bacterial adhesin, Outer membrane protein, Virulence factor
01
Overview
Neisseria meningitidis Neisserial heparin binding antigen (NHBA) is a conserved, surface-exposed lipoprotein in Neisseria species, functioning as a key adhesin via its arginine-rich region that binds host cell heparan sulfate proteoglycans and free heparin. This binding facilitates bacterial adhesion, serum resistance, biofilm formation, and, through proteolytic fragments, may alter endothelial integrity leading to increased vascular permeability, a hallmark of meningococcal sepsis. NHBA is a principal antigen in the Bexsero vaccine, inducing bactericidal antibodies and protective immunity in both animal models and humans. Its diversity and central role in disease make it a major target for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against Neisseria meningitidis.
- Other names
- Neisserial heparin binding antigenNHBAGNA2132
02
Mechanism of action
Vaccination: NHBA-specific antibodies block bacterial adhesion and enhance complement-mediated killing. Direct inhibition: Antibodies (induced by vaccination) prevent host cell colonization and serum resistance.
03
Biological functions
Host cell adhesion (interacts with epithelial heparan sulfate proteoglycans)Heparin/heparan sulfate bindingBiofilm formation (through DNA binding and extracellular matrix components)Serum resistance (heparin binding increases resistance to complement killing)Vascular leakage (alteration of endothelial permeability via C2 fragment)Induction of protective immunity (antigenic target for antibody production)
04
Disease associations
Infection (core role in Neisseria meningitidis colonization, traversal of epithelia, and pathogenesis of meningitis/septicemia)
05
Safety considerations
Antigenic diversity: Over 400 peptide variants; high variability may affect vaccine coverage or efficacyPotential cross-reactivity: NHBA is present in other Neisseria species, including commensals, but generally regarded as safe for use in vaccinesNo major therapeutic safety issues are reported, as the interaction is targeted only by vaccines
06
Interacting drugs
Bexsero
07
Biomarkers
NHBA sequence and expression are used for strain typing and for assessing vaccine coverageNHBA-specific antibody titer measures immune response
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