Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane vesicle–associated antigens (Nm OMV antigens)

Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane vesicle–associated antigens are a complex mixture of proteins, lipids, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) derived from the outer membrane of the bacterium (Frontiers in Immunology, 2021). These vesicles, known as outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), are naturally shed by the bacteria and contain immunodominant proteins such as PorA, PorB, and various lipoproteins (NIH, 2022). In the context of vaccine development, particularly for serogroup B meningococcus, OMVs serve as a critical platform because the group B capsular polysaccharide is poorly immunogenic and shares structural similarities with human neural tissues (Frontiers in Microbiology, 2019). OMV-based vaccines, such as the OMV component in Bexsero, work by stimulating the production of bactericidal antibodies that facilitate complement-mediated killing of the pathogen (ClinicalTrials.eu, 2024). While highly effective against homologous strains, the high variability of the PorA protein often limits broad cross-protection, necessitating multicomponent formulations (NIH, 2020). Safety considerations primarily involve the reactogenicity of residual LPS, which is often managed through detergent extraction or genetic detoxification (ASM, 2014). These antigens also play a role in pathogen-host interactions, including adhesion and immune evasion during natural infection (ResearchGate, 2020). Recent research suggests that OMV-based vaccines may also provide cross-protection against other Neisseria species, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Frontiers in Immunology, 2019).

Other names

Meningococcal outer membrane vesiclesMenB OMVdOMVnOMVOuter membrane vesicle-based vaccine antigensMeningococcal OMV antigensMeningococcal proteoliposome

Induction of serum bactericidal antibodies (hSBA) targeting PorA and other surface proteins, leading to complement-mediated bacterial lysis.