Induction of meningeal inflammation by outer membrane vesicles of Haemophilus influenzae type b.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) lipooligosaccharide (LOS) induces meningitis in an established rabbit model of experimental meningitis. To evaluate the inflammatory ability of Hib LOS in its native state as part of outer membrane of Hib, the CSF inflammatory response to Hib outer membrane vesicles (OMV) was compared with that produced by Hib LOS. A significant dose-dependent meningeal inflammatory response, as evidence by increased concentrations of white blood cells and protein and lactate concentration in CSF, was found after intracisternal injection of Hib OMV containing 0.02-200 ng of LOS. On a LOS weight basis, purified LOS and LOS in OMV did not differ significantly with regard to the CSF inflammatory response. Preincubation of Hib OMV with monoclonal antibodies directed against cell surface-exposed epitopes on Hib LOS did not affect the inflammatory ability of OMV, whereas preincubation of OMV with polymyxin B significantly reduced both pleocytosis and lactate concentration. Thus, Hib OMV represents a relevant nonreplicating vehicle in which Hib LOS might interact with CNS tissues to produce meningitis.