N-propionylated group B meningococcal polysaccharide mimics a unique epitope on group B Neisseria meningitidis

Antibodies induced in mice by the N-propionyl (N-Pr)-group B meningococcal polysaccharide (GBMP)-tetanus toxoid (TT) conjugate were bactericidal for GBM organisms independent of protein serotype. The antisera contained two populations of N-Pr-GBMP-specific antibodies, only one of which crossreacted with the GBMP. Particularly significant was the fact that the bactericidal activity was mainly associated with the population of antibodies that did not crossreact with the GBMP. Therefore it can be inferred from the above evidence that the N-Pr-GBMP mimics a unique epitope on the surface of GBM organisms that is not present on the exogenous GBMP.