B-cell receptor specific for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A and C capsular polysaccharides (BCR (MenA/MenC))

B-cell receptors (BCRs) specific for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A (MenA) and serogroup C (MenC) capsular polysaccharide epitopes are specialized membrane-bound immunoglobulins found on the surface of B lymphocytes. These receptors play a critical role in the adaptive immune system by recognizing and binding to the unique carbohydrate structures of the bacterial capsule, such as the alpha-(1→6)-linked N-acetylmannosamine-1-phosphate of MenA and the alpha-(2→9)-linked sialic acid of MenC (Source: PubMed, PMID: 22434747). Upon engagement with these epitopes, the BCR initiates signaling cascades that lead to B-cell activation, clonal expansion, and the eventual secretion of protective antibodies (Source: Janeway's Immunobiology). In the context of vaccination, these receptors are the primary targets for polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines, which enhance the immune response by recruiting T-cell help, leading to the formation of high-affinity memory B cells (Source: WHO). This process is essential for providing long-term protection against invasive meningococcal disease, a severe infection characterized by meningitis and sepsis (Source: CDC). The efficacy of targeting these receptors is typically measured by the induction of serum bactericidal activity, which correlates with protection in humans (Source: PubMed, PMID: 25631137).

Other names

MenA-specific B-cell receptorMenC-specific B-cell receptorMeningococcal polysaccharide-specific BCRAnti-MenA BCRAnti-MenC BCR

Binding of capsular polysaccharide antigens to the B-cell receptor induces receptor clustering and intracellular signaling, leading to B-cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells and memory B cells.