MenB
Vaccines.
From bacterial genome sequencing to recombinant antigen discovery: explore the molecular science behind vaccines targeting meningococcal serogroup B.
EXPLORE ANTIGENS ↗
A different
antigen strategy.
MenB vaccines target invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, using bacterial protein antigens rather than the conventional capsular polysaccharide conjugate approach used for MenACWY.
The serogroup B capsule resembles certain human neural carbohydrate structures, complicating development of a conventional capsule-based vaccine. Protein-focused vaccine design therefore became a key research direction.
Antigens at the bacterial surface.
Different MenB vaccine formulations use different antigen combinations. The following proteins are especially important to understanding MenB vaccine development.
fHbp
Factor H binding protein: a bacterial surface protein involved in interactions with the human complement regulatory system.
NadA
Neisserial adhesin A: an antigen associated with bacterial adhesion, included in certain multicomponent formulations.
NHBA
Neisserial heparin-binding antigen: a bacterial surface-associated protein used as a component of 4CMenB.
OMV / PorA
Outer-membrane vesicles can present multiple bacterial components, including PorA in specific formulations.
The reverse vaccinology pathway.
Reverse vaccinology uses genomic information to identify potential vaccine antigens, followed by experimental evaluation. A landmark 2000 study in Science applied this strategy to meningococcus B.
Sequence
Analyze the bacterial genome.
Predict
Identify promising surface proteins.
Evaluate
Test antigen expression and immune responses.
Formulate
Develop and clinically assess vaccine candidates.
Beyond antigen discovery.
MenB vaccines are evaluated through antibody responses, clinical safety studies, and post-introduction effectiveness research.
Whole-genome antigen discovery
The original genome-guided candidate identification study helped establish a new approach to bacterial vaccine research.
VIEW STUDY ↗Multicomponent MenB vaccine
A phase III randomized study evaluated immune responses to a four-component MenB vaccine in adolescents.
VIEW STUDY ↗England's infant program
A national observational cohort study investigated 4CMenB effectiveness and impact following routine infant introduction.
VIEW STUDY ↗MenB essentials.
What does a MenB vaccine protect against?
MenB vaccines help protect against invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B. Coverage across strains can vary.
How are MenB vaccines different from MenACWY?
MenB vaccines use selected protein antigens, whereas MenACWY vaccines target capsular polysaccharides of serogroups A, C, W, and Y through conjugate technology.
Are all MenB vaccines identical?
No. Licensed MenB vaccines may contain different antigen components, and product-specific schedules and recommendations must be followed.
Research and guidance.
- Pizza et al., Science (2000) — Identification of vaccine candidates by whole-genome sequencing.
- Phase III study of immune responses to 4CMenB.
- Observational study of 4CMenB effectiveness in England.
- CDC — Types of Meningococcal Vaccines.
- CDC — Vaccine Recommendations.
Educational scientific content only. Vaccine eligibility and schedules should follow current regional guidance and qualified professional advice.
Pneumococcal Vaccines
Conjugate vaccines, pneumococcal serotypes, and invasive disease prevention.