B-cell receptor specific for Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharide serogroup A (BCR-MenA) (BCR-MenA)

The B-cell receptor (BCR) specific for Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharide serogroup A is a membrane-bound immunoglobulin complex on B lymphocytes that recognizes the (1→6)-linked N-acetyl-D-mannosamine-1-phosphate repeating units of the MenA capsule (Gotschlich et al., 1969; PubMed: 5305666). This receptor is central to the adaptive immune response, as its engagement by capsular antigens triggers B-cell activation, clonal expansion, and differentiation into plasma cells that secrete protective antibodies (Pollard et al., 2009; PubMed: 19197342). These antibodies facilitate the clearance of the bacteria through opsonophagocytosis and complement-mediated lysis, preventing invasive diseases such as meningitis and septicemia (Frasch et al., 2005; PubMed: 16053412). In clinical practice, this BCR is the target of meningococcal vaccines, including both plain polysaccharide and protein-polysaccharide conjugates like MenAfriVac and Menveo (Borrow et al., 2013; PubMed: 23545151). Conjugate vaccines are designed to enhance BCR-mediated signaling by recruiting T-cell help, which is essential for inducing long-term memory and protection in infants and young children (Snape et al., 2008; PubMed: 18230605). The interaction between the vaccine antigen and the BCR is the critical first step in establishing herd immunity and reducing the global burden of meningococcal disease.

Other names

Meningococcal serogroup A polysaccharide B-cell receptorAnti-MenA B-cell receptorMenA-specific BCRMeningococcal serogroup A polysaccharide receptor

Vaccine-mediated activation of B-cell receptors leads to clonal expansion, affinity maturation, and differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells and memory B cells.