Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B outer membrane vesicle antigens (Porin A P1.4) (MenB OMV (PorA P1.4))

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B are proteoliposomes that present a complex array of surface antigens to the host immune system, with Porin A (PorA) being the most immunodominant component. Porin A is a transmembrane protein that functions as a selective channel for the transport of small hydrophilic molecules across the bacterial outer membrane (UniProt: P0A316). The P1.4 variant represents a specific serosubtype of Porin A that was the primary focus of regional vaccine strategies, such as the MeNZB vaccine developed for the New Zealand epidemic (PubMed: 15837015). These antigens are utilized in vaccines to bypass the poor immunogenicity and potential autoimmunity associated with the MenB capsular polysaccharide (PubMed: 18445234). Upon vaccination, these OMV antigens induce the production of bactericidal antibodies that trigger the complement system to lyse the invading bacteria (PubMed: 23075451). While highly effective against homologous strains, the high degree of antigenic variation in the Porin A loops means that OMV-based protection is often strain-specific, requiring the inclusion of multiple antigens or specific regional variants to ensure efficacy.

Other names

MenB OMVPorin A P1.4MeNZB antigenOuter membrane protein P1Meningococcal group B outer membrane vesicle

Induction of host immune response to produce bactericidal antibodies that facilitate complement-mediated killing of Neisseria meningitidis (PubMed: 23075451).