Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B outer membrane protein complex (OMPC) (OMPC)

The Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B outer membrane protein complex (OMPC) is a macromolecular protein assembly derived from the outer membrane of the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis [1]. It is primarily utilized as a carrier protein in conjugate vaccines, such as those targeting Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae [2]. The primary function of OMPC in these vaccines is to provide T-cell epitopes that are otherwise absent in pure polysaccharide antigens. This conversion from a T-cell independent to a T-cell dependent immune response is essential for achieving robust immunogenicity and long-term memory, particularly in young infants whose immune systems do not respond well to plain polysaccharides [3]. Beyond its role as a scaffold, OMPC possesses intrinsic adjuvant properties, largely attributed to its ability to activate Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), thereby enhancing the overall immune response to the conjugated antigen [4]. In clinical practice, OMPC-containing vaccines have been instrumental in drastically reducing the incidence of invasive bacterial diseases [1].

Other names

Outer membrane protein complexMeningococcal B OMPCGroup B Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane protein carrierOMPC carrierPorB complex

OMPC acts as a carrier protein that provides T-cell epitopes to covalently linked polysaccharide antigens, facilitating a T-cell dependent immune response characterized by isotype switching, affinity maturation, and the development of B-cell memory.