Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B outer membrane vesicle (OMV) surface antigens (MenB OMV antigens)

Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B outer membrane vesicle (OMV) surface antigens are a complex array of proteins and lipids derived from the bacterial cell envelope. These antigens are the primary focus of vaccine development for serogroup B because its capsular polysaccharide is structurally similar to human neural cell adhesion molecules, making it poorly immunogenic (PubMed: 22914317). The OMVs contain several key proteins, including PorA, PorB, and various minor proteins that facilitate bacterial adhesion, nutrient uptake, and immune evasion (PubMed: 24655336). When used in vaccines, these antigens stimulate the production of bactericidal antibodies that activate the complement system to kill the bacteria (FDA: Bexsero Prescribing Information). Modern formulations, such as the 4CMenB vaccine, combine OMVs with recombinant proteins like factor H binding protein (fHbp) to overcome the high antigenic variability of OMV components across different strains (EMA: Bexsero Summary of Product Characteristics). This multi-component approach ensures broader protection against the diverse landscape of invasive meningococcal disease. Overall, these surface antigens represent a sophisticated target for inducing protective immunity against a pathogen that otherwise evades detection through molecular mimicry.

Other names

Meningococcal group B outer membrane vesiclesMenB OMVPorA-containing outer membrane vesiclesBacterial outer membrane vesicles

Induction of a humoral immune response leading to the production of serum bactericidal antibodies that mediate complement-dependent killing of Neisseria meningitidis.