Overview

Our laboratory is investigating the development of vaccines based on a sugar called sialic acid (Sia) for the prevention of disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B (MenB), as well as vaccines and immunotherapy for the treatment and prevention of cancer.

Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative diplococcus that causes bacteremia and meningitis.

We are particularly interested in the Sia polymer poly alpha (2-->8) N-acetyl neuraminic acid, or PSA. The polymer is relatively rare in humans—found in only a few glycoconjugates—but it is present on the capsule of the neuroinvasive human bacterial pathogen MenB.

We have discovered that MenB and several human cancers express a derivative of PSA that contains a mixture of N-acetyl and de-N-acetyl residues. This mixed PSA derivative is not found on normal human cells, which makes it an attractive target for the development of vaccines and immunotherapy.

Structure of poly alpha (2®8) N-acetyl neuraminic acid, also known as polysialic acid (PSA).	PSA containing a de-N-acetyl residue indicated in red. This antigenic determinant is the basis for new MenB vaccines.