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

B-cell receptors (BCRs) specific for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A (MenA) capsular polysaccharide epitopes are membrane-bound immunoglobulins that play a critical role in the adaptive immune response against meningococcal disease. The MenA capsular polysaccharide is composed of α1→6-linked N-acetyl-D-mannosamine-1-phosphate units, which serve as the primary antigenic determinant recognized by these receptors [PMID: 22136585]. Upon binding to the MenA polysaccharide or its conjugate vaccine forms, these BCRs initiate intracellular signaling pathways that lead to B-cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells and long-lived memory B cells [PMID: 23537544]. This process is essential for generating protective serum bactericidal antibodies that facilitate the opsonophagocytosis and lysis of the bacteria [PMID: 11514443]. Therapeutic interventions, primarily conjugate vaccines like MenAfriVac, target these receptors to induce robust, T-cell dependent immunity, particularly in populations within the African meningitis belt where serogroup A was historically the leading cause of epidemics [PMID: 21166487]. Understanding the specificity and affinity of these BCRs is vital for the design of next-generation glycoconjugate vaccines that provide long-lasting protection across all age groups [PMID: 25636258].

Other names

MenA-specific B-cell receptorNeisseria meningitidis serogroup A polysaccharide-specific BCRAnti-MenA BCRB-cell receptors specific for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A capsular polysaccharide epitopes

Antigen-mediated B-cell receptor cross-linking and activation leading to T-cell dependent or independent immune responses and production of protective IgG antibodies.