Molecular mimetics of unique Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B epitopes

US6642354B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Chiron Corporation · US
• Children's Hospital Medical Center of Northern California · US

Inventors

• Dan M. Granoff · Berkeley, US
• Gregory R. Moe · Alameda, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 23, 2001
• Grant date: Nov 4, 2003
• Expiry date: Jul 23, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S530/808
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (“MenB”) are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli K1. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.