Relative mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL1-α and TGF-β in pooled hamster blood samples.

<p>The relative C_T (ΔΔ C_T) method was used to quantify cytokine gene expression: C_Ts were normalized against the β-actin gene C_T (Δ C_T) and then compared to the same normalized gene in the pre-immune sera sample (calibrator). A 2-fold or greater change in mRNA levels was considered significant. The control groups were set to 1. The values represent grouped results of two independent experiments.</p

Western blot of recombinant and native OmpL37 proteins.

<p>A: rOmpL37 characterization with convalescent human sera. (1) Full-Range Rainbow Molecular Weight Marker (GE Healthcare); (2) Negative control (BSA); (3) Positive control (rLipL32); (4) rOmpL37. B: Anti-rOmpL37 serum characterization. (1) Full-Range Rainbow Molecular Weight Marker (GE Healthcare); (2) rOmpL37; (3) Negative control (BSA); (4) <i>L</i>. <i>interrogans</i> serovar Copenhageni Fiocruz L1-130 WCL.</p

Effect of immunization with OmpL37 vaccines in hamsters.

<p>Effect of immunization with OmpL37 vaccines in hamsters.</p

Detailed primers and conditions used for qRT-PCR assays.

<p>^aVernel-Pauillac and Merien, 2006; Vernel-Pauillac and Goarant, 2010.</p><p>^bMelting temperature.</p><p>Detailed primers and conditions used for qRT-PCR assays.</p

Immunofluorescence (IFA) analysis of the expression of recombinant OmpL37 protein in CHO-K1 cells 24 h after transfection with pTargeT/<i>ompL37</i> (A) or pTargeT alone (B).

<p>The IFA was based on a mouse anti-rOmpL37 antibody and FITC conjugated anti-mouse IgG. Panels on the left shows Hoechst 33258 DNA staining and on the right, antibody reactions.</p

Specific IgG response in hamsters inoculated with different vaccine formulations.

<p>Recombinant rOmpL37 expressed by <i>E</i>. <i>coli</i> was used as the antigen in ELISA. Mean values were calculated from serum samples assayed in triplicate. Results are expressed as the mean absorbance ± standard deviation. OD₄₉₂, optical density at 492 nm. Significant differences, at a <i>P</i> value of 0.001 in comparison to the control group, are shown by an asterisk.</p

Phylogenetic tree of the <i>N</i>. <i>meningitidis</i> isolates based on the whole-genome sequence data.

<p>The <i>N</i>. <i>meningitidis</i> isolates are labelled with their sample ID, serogroup (SG), sequence type (ST) and clonal complex (cc). An <i>N</i>. <i>lactamica</i> isolate was used as the outgroup. Internal nodes are labeled with bootstrap values. The scale bar is based on the 7131 positions in the core SNP matrix and indicated nucleotide substitutions per site.</p

Genotypic characterization of the 59 <i>N</i>. <i>men</i>ingitidis isolates.

<p>Genotypic characterization of the 59 <i>N</i>. <i>men</i>ingitidis isolates.</p