MUCOSAL MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINES

摘要

The invention provides immunogenic compositions for mucosal delivery comprising capsular saccharides from at least two of serogroups A, C, W135 and Y of N. meningitidis. It is preferred that the capsular saccharides in the compositions of the invention are conjugated to carrier protein(s) and/or are oligosaccharides. Conjugated oligosaccharide antigens are particularly preferred. The invention also provides immunogenic compositions comprising (a) a capsular saccharide antigen from serogroup C of N. meningitidis, and (b) a chitosan adjuvant. The composition preferably comprises (c) one or more further antigens and/or (d) one or more further adjuvants. The compositions are particularly suitable for mucosal delivery, including intranasal delivery. The use of chitosan and/or detoxified ADP-ribosylating toxin adjuvants enhances anti-meningococcal mucosal immune responses and can shift the Th1/Th2 bias of the responses.