Human Immunity to the Meningococcus

Abstract

High molecular weight group A and group C meningococcal polysaccharides had no significant toxicity for mice or guinea pigs. Furthermore, these polysaccharide preparations contained negligible amounts of biologically active endotoxin. The high molecular weight group A and group C meningococcal polysaccharides were excellent immunogens in six human volunteers. Antibodies belonging to the immunoglobulin classes IgG, IgM, and IgA were produced. These antibodies were highly meningococcocidal in the presence of complement.

The Relationship Between Group a and Group C Meningococcal Polysaccharides and Serum Opsonins in Man

“…The findings described herein support and extend recent studies suggesting that immunization with groups A and C meningococcal polysaccharides may well provide group-specific protection against meningococcal infections (8,24).…”

“…Furthermore, these opsonins are present in both 19S and 7S immunoglobulins and persist in high titers for at least 14 months. The demonstration of opsonic activity after immunization is consistent with studies by Gotschlich, Goldschneider, and Artenstein who detected hemagglutinating and serum bactericidal activity in polysaccharide antisera (8). Concentrations of 104 organisms/ml and 25 % fresh serum were employed in the study of serum bactericidins by these authors.…”

Current Trends In Research, Development And Production Of Prophylactic Vaccines: Report of Vaccipharma 2015 Congress

“…From the early capsular polysaccharide vaccines, developed in the late 1960s, there has been a gradual improvement in vaccines that have the bacterial polysaccharide (PS) capsule as the protective principle: first as purified PS vaccines against one serogroup, then as combinations for protection against an increased number of serogroups at the same time. More recently, the development of protein-PS conjugate vaccines and finally the quadrivalent conjugate formulations, against meningococcal serogroups A, C, Y and W have become some of the most important vaccine strategies ever implemented against these pathogens [60][61][62][63]. Important milestones and time points are listed in Figure 2.…”

Primary Immunodeficiencies

“…Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis antigens are potent, pure, and harmless and may prove to be of prophylactic value (Gotschlich, Goldschneider & Artenstein, 1969). Their use is recommended as soon as they become more widely available.…”

“…Blood is taken 2 weeks later (Gotschlich, Goldschneider & Artenstein, 1969); antibody is determined by precipitin analysis.…”