pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 20

Pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 20 is a purified capsular polysaccharide antigen derived from *Streptococcus pneumoniae* serotype 20, developed by the Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC) for the prevention of pneumococcal infections. Serotype 20 has been identified as an increasingly prevalent cause of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), particularly in the Netherlands, prompting targeted research and development of specific immunogenic components. The drug functions as a vaccine antigen that, upon administration, stimulates B-lymphocytes to produce serotype-specific antibodies. These antibodies opsonize the bacteria, facilitating their recognition and destruction by phagocytic cells. While serotype 20 is a component of broader multi-valent conjugate vaccines, Erasmus MC's involvement highlights its significance in regional epidemiology and the development of specialized or next-generation pneumococcal vaccines.

Other names

Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 20 capsular polysaccharidepneumococcal polysaccharide type 20