meningococcal conjugate vaccine (University of Oxford)

Meningococcal conjugate vaccines are a class of biologics used for active immunization against invasive meningococcal disease caused by *Neisseria meningitidis*. These vaccines are constructed by covalently linking (conjugating) the capsular polysaccharides of specific meningococcal serogroups (most commonly A, C, W-135, and Y) to a carrier protein such as CRM197, diphtheria toxoid, or tetanus toxoid. This conjugation process is critical because pure polysaccharide antigens are T-cell independent and typically fail to induce a strong immune response or immunological memory in infants and young children. By providing T-cell help, conjugate vaccines induce higher antibody titers, longer-lasting protection, and herd immunity by reducing nasopharyngeal carriage of the bacteria. Major developers include GSK, Sanofi, and Pfizer, with several formulations approved globally for use in infants, adolescents, and travelers.

Brand names

MenactraMenveoNimenrixMenQuadfiMenjugateNeisVac-CMenHibrix

Other names

MenACWY conjugate vaccinemeningococcal A conjugate vaccinemeningococcal protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccineMenACWYMCV4MCV-4MCV 4