Does B and T cell function of adults predict a poor response to the C conjugate meningococcal vaccine?

Current research

From UK efficacy data, and from our own work in which we have measured  responses to C polysaccharide challenge amongst recipients of the meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (MCC),  it is concluded that some adult recipients, one year after vaccination, have non-protective SBA titres and/or no memory response. To improve our understanding of the host determinants of successful response to conjugate meningococcal vaccines, we seek to determine in a prospective sample of 100 university students undergoing MCC vaccination, whether SBA titres and memory responses one year after vaccination with MCC correlate with one or more of (i)  innate host B cell activation and proliferation in response to  T independent antigens, and/or (ii) potency of  co-stimulation of  T cells by activated B cells, and/or (iii) quality of  T cell help to B cells.  Furthermore we will compare the kinetics of systemic and mucosal antibody responses during re-challenge one year after MCC, and if a pattern of poor mucosal response emerges, we will likewise correlate with B/T cell co-stimulatory function.  This work will investigate cellular correlates of responses to conjugate vaccines and suggest future strategies for the development of improved vaccines.