title: Are antibodies to the capsular polysaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis group B and Escherichia coli K1 associated with immunopathology?
abstract: As polysialic acid (PSA), the capsule of Group B meningococcus (GBM) and Escherichia coli K1, is a component of mammalian glycopeptides, there is concern that vaccines against PSA could induce immunopathology. Purified PSA is not immunogenic; however, as a component of bacteria or bound to proteins, it induces protective antibodies. In this review, we did not unearth data indicating an association of IgG anti-PSA with immunopathology in experimental animals or humans. We found no increased incidence of autoimmunity from GBM infections in our review of the natural history/sequellae of Neisseria meningitis infections. Accordingly, we propose that clinical trials of PSA conjugate vaccines, be considered.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Developmental and Molecular Immunity, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Robbins
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Feng-Ying C
authors.initials: FY
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schneerson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D016667:Bacterial Capsules; D006801:Humans; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000276:immunology*; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000276:immunology; D038541:Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroup B / Q000276:immunology*; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology*; D012794:Sialic Acids / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial; D012794:Sialic Acids; C036962:capsular polysaccharide K1; C021319:polysialic acid