pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 15b

Pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 15B is a purified capsular polysaccharide antigen derived from *Streptococcus pneumoniae*. Developed by Erasmus Universitair Medisch Centrum Rotterdam (Erasmus MC), this specific serotype antigen is intended for use in vaccines to prevent pneumococcal infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia. Serotype 15B has emerged as a significant cause of invasive pneumococcal disease following the widespread use of earlier conjugate vaccines that did not cover this strain. The mechanism of action involves the induction of humoral immunity; the polysaccharide acts as a T-cell independent antigen (or T-cell dependent when conjugated to a carrier protein), stimulating B-lymphocytes to produce serotype-specific antibodies that facilitate opsonophagocytosis and killing of the bacteria. Erasmus MC has been involved in research regarding the development of next-generation pneumococcal vaccines incorporating this and other emerging serotypes.

Other names

Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 15B capsular polysaccharidePn15B polysaccharidePn-15B polysaccharidePn 15B polysaccharidepneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 15B