A cross-reactive neisserial antigen encoded by the NMB0035 locus shows high sequence conservation but variable surface accessibility.
The meningococcal NMB0035 locus encodes a 47 kDa outer-membrane protein that is highly conserved antigenically, and is able to induce antibodies during infection and bactericidal responses in vitro. This study analysed the surface exposure of this protein using specific antibodies in flow cytometry assays and determined its nucleotide sequence in 33 Neisseria strains. Genomic analyses revealed no significant differences in the nucleotide or amino acid sequences, but flow cytometry showed that surface accessibility was highly variable among the strains. These results suggest that masking by and/or association with lipo-oligosaccharides or other membrane molecules can be crucial for antigen accessibility, which must be thoroughly analysed in new vaccine candidates.
Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Sur, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Jesús
J
Arenas
Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Sur, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Ana
A
Abel
Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Sur, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Sandra
S
Sánchez
Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Sur, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Juan
J
Marzoa
Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km2, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
Sonsoles
S
Berrón
Laboratory for Vaccine Research, Netherlands Vaccine Institute, PO Box 457, 3720 AL Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
Peter
P
van der Ley
Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Sur, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
María-Teresa
MT
Criado
Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Sur, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Carlos M
CM
Ferreirós
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D001425:Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D017124:Conserved Sequence; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D001425:Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins