B-cell receptor specific for Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharide serogroup Y (BCR-MenY)

The B-cell receptor (BCR) specific for Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharide serogroup Y is a specialized surface protein complex on B lymphocytes responsible for identifying the unique polysaccharide structure of serogroup Y meningococci (Harrison et al., 2009, Vaccine). This receptor plays a critical role in the adaptive immune response by binding to the bacterial capsule, which consists of alternating units of glucose and N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid) (Pollard et al., 2009, Nature Reviews Immunology). Upon antigen binding, the BCR triggers signal transduction pathways that result in B-cell activation, clonal expansion, and the eventual secretion of protective IgG antibodies (Goldschneider et al., 1969, Journal of Experimental Medicine). In the context of pharmacology, this receptor is the primary target of conjugate vaccines such as Menveo and MenQuadfi, which utilize the serogroup Y polysaccharide conjugated to a carrier protein to enhance immunogenicity (Pace et al., 2009, Lancet Infectious Diseases). These vaccines aim to stimulate the BCR to produce high-titer bactericidal antibodies that prevent invasive diseases like meningitis and septicemia (Cohn et al., 2010, MMWR Recommendations and Reports). The interaction between the vaccine antigen and the BCR is the first step in generating long-term immunological memory against serogroup Y strains, facilitating complement-mediated killing of the pathogen.

Other names

Anti-meningococcal serogroup Y B-cell receptorMenY-specific B-cell receptorNeisseria meningitidis serogroup Y capsular polysaccharide receptorMeningococcal group Y-specific BCR

Vaccine antigens (capsular polysaccharides) bind to and cross-link the B-cell receptor, initiating a signaling cascade that, in the presence of T-cell help from a carrier protein, leads to B-cell differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells and memory B cells.