Modified meningococcal fHbp polypeptides with increased stability.

Modified meningococcal fHbp polypeptides with increased stability.

The present invention provides means and products for the stimulation of an immune response against tumors in a subject in need thereof. More specifically the invention provides immunogenic compositions containing bacterial outer membrane vesicles loaded with tumor antigens, fusion proteins comprising a bacterial protein and a tumor antigen, and isolated bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) containing said fusion proteins. The fusion proteins, OMVs and immunogenic compositions according to the invention are used in the prevention and treatment of tumors.

The present invention provides means and products for the stimulation of an immune response against tumors in a subject in need thereof. More specifically the invention provides immunogenic compositions containing bacterial outer membrane vesicles loaded with tumor antigens, fusion proteins comprising a bacterial protein and a tumor antigen, and isolated bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) containing said fusion proteins. The fusion proteins, OMVs and immunogenic compositions according to the invention are used in the prevention and treatment of tumors.

The present invention provides novel, recombinant Gram-negative bacteria. In particular, the invention provides recombinant Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli) lacking genes involved in lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) biosynthesis (e.g., lacking genes required for core oligosaccharide biosynthesis) and also provides recombinant Gram-negative bacteria lacking genes involved in LPS biosynthesis that contain one or more exogenous KDO transferases and/or one or more exogenous heptosyltransferases (e.g., from one or more types and/or strains of bacteria). The invention further provides methods of generating and utilizing (e.g., as or in an immunogenic composition (e.g., as or in an adjuvant and/or vaccine)) the recombinant Gram-negative bacteria therapeutic, preventative, and/or research applications.

The present invention provides novel, recombinant Gram-negative bacteria. In particular, the invention provides recombinant Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli) lacking genes involved in lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) biosynthesis (e.g., lacking genes required for core oligosaccharide biosynthesis) and also provides recombinant Gram-negative bacteria lacking genes involved in LPS biosynthesis that contain one or more exogenous KDO transferases and/or one or more exogenous heptosyltransferases (e.g., from one or more types and/or strains of bacteria). The invention further provides methods of generating and utilizing (e.g., as or in an immunogenic composition (e.g., as or in an adjuvant and/or vaccine)) the recombinant Gram-negative bacteria therapeutic, preventative, and/or research applications.

The present invention relates to vaccine compositions based on Gram-negative outer membrane vesicles displaying antigens of pathogens expressed as part of a fusion protein comprising N-terminal parts of surface expressed lipoproteins of Gram-negative bacteria, and use of such compositions in vaccination. The invention further relates to the fusion lipoproteins comprising N-terminal parts of surface expressed lipoproteins of Gram-negative bacteria and antigens of pathogens fused thereto, DNA constructs and bacterial host cells for expressing these fusion lipoproteins and to methods for producing outer membrane vesicles displaying the fusion lipoproteins.

The present invention relates to vaccine compositions based on Gram-negative outer membrane vesicles displaying antigens of pathogens expressed as part of a fusion protein comprising N-terminal parts of surface expressed lipoproteins of Gram-negative bacteria, and use of such compositions in vaccination. The invention further relates to the fusion lipoproteins comprising N-terminal parts of surface expressed lipoproteins of Gram-negative bacteria and antigens of pathogens fused thereto, DNA constructs and bacterial host cells for expressing these fusion lipoproteins and to methods for producing outer membrane vesicles displaying the fusion lipoproteins.

Immunogenic compositions that include a bacterial capsular polysaccharide conjugated to a carrier protein are described. In some embodiments, the bacterial capsular polysaccharide is a Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharide. The carrier protein includes an N. meningitidis factor H binding protein (fHbp) linked to cholera toxin subunit B (CTB). Administration of the immunogenic compositions elicits an immune response that includes production of meningococcal polysaccharide-specific and fHbp-specific antibodies. Use of the immunogenic compositions as meningococcal vaccines is also described.

A composition is provided comprising N. meningitidis outer membrane vesicles, wherein said outer membrane vesicles are enriched with at least one antigenic component. The composition is suitable for use in vaccines and for treatment of infection, particularly meningococcal infection, demonstrating a broad spectrum of protection. A number of preferred antigenic components are described and include antigenic proteins and proteoglycans derived from N. meningitidis.