MENINGVAX / GENOME-DRIVEN DISCOVERY / 015
Reverse Vaccinology
A genome-first strategy for finding protective vaccine antigens in complex bacterial pathogens.
01 / DISCOVERY WORKFLOW
From genome sequence to candidate antigen
Reverse vaccinology begins with pathogen genome data. Computational analyses prioritize proteins that may be surface-exposed, conserved, and biologically suitable for further investigation.
Sequence and annotate the pathogen genome.
Prioritize candidate proteins computationally.
Assess expression, accessibility, and immune responses.
Investigate breadth, formulation, safety, and efficacy.
02 / MENINGOCOCCAL RESEARCH
Why MenB changed vaccine discovery
The serogroup B meningococcal capsule presents particular vaccine-design challenges because of its similarity to human neural polysialic acid. Genome-based methods therefore helped identify alternative surface protein antigens.
The landmark study by Pizza and colleagues used the genome of MenB strain MC58 to identify potential vaccine candidates and helped establish reverse vaccinology as a practical research strategy.
Prediction is not proof of protection.
A predicted antigen still needs experimental evaluation. Sequence conservation alone does not establish surface expression, functional antibody activity, or broad strain coverage.
Peer-reviewed references
- Pizza M, et al. Identification of vaccine candidates against serogroup B meningococcus by whole-genome sequencing. Science. 2000. PubMed ↗
- Tettelin H, et al. Complete genome sequence of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B strain MC58. Science. 2000. PubMed ↗
- Masignani V, Rappuoli R, Pizza M. Reverse vaccinology: a genome-based approach for vaccine development. PubMed ↗