polyribosyl ribitol phosphate

Polyribosyl ribitol phosphate (PRP) is a high-molecular-weight exopolysaccharide that constitutes the capsular antigen of *Haemophilus influenzae* type b (Hib), a human pathogen responsible for invasive diseases such as meningitis and pneumonia in children. As an isolated antigen, PRP is used as the active component in Hib vaccines. In these vaccines, PRP is often conjugated to carrier proteins (such as tetanus toxoid or outer membrane protein complex from *Neisseria meningitidis*) to enhance immunogenicity in infants and young children. The mechanism of action involves induction of specific anti-PRP antibodies that confer immunity by promoting opsonization and clearance of Hib bacteria[1][3][7]. The use of PRP-conjugate vaccines has dramatically reduced the incidence of invasive Hib disease worldwide.

Brand names

HiberixActHIBPedvaxHIBHibest

Other names

polyribosylribitol phosphateHaemophilus influenzae type b capsular polysaccharideHib polysaccharidePRP