meningococcal group A, C, W and Y conjugate vaccine

The meningococcal group A, C, W and Y conjugate vaccine refers to the quadrivalent conjugate vaccines developed by Sanofi Pasteur, specifically Menactra (MCV4-D) and the newer MenQuadfi (MenACYW-TT). These vaccines are indicated for the active immunization to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by *Neisseria meningitidis* serogroups A, C, W, and Y. The mechanism of action involves the conjugation of purified capsular polysaccharides from these four serogroups to a carrier protein—diphtheria toxoid in Menactra and tetanus toxoid in MenQuadfi. This conjugation converts the T-cell independent polysaccharide antigens into T-cell dependent antigens, which induces a more robust immune response, including the production of high-titer bactericidal antibodies and the establishment of immunological memory. The vaccine is administered via intramuscular injection and is approved for use in various age groups, providing broad protection against the most common causes of bacterial meningitis.

Brand names

MenQuadfiMenactra

Other names

Quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccineMCV4MCV-4MCV 4MenACYW