B-cell receptor specific for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C capsular polysaccharide (MenC-specific BCR)

The B-cell receptor (BCR) specific for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C capsular polysaccharide is a membrane-bound immunoglobulin complex that mediates the adaptive immune recognition of the MenC bacterial capsule (Borrow et al., 2013). This receptor specifically binds to the α(2→9)-linked N-acetylneuraminic acid homopolymer that defines the serogroup C capsule (Finne et al., 1983). In vaccine pharmacology, this BCR is the primary target for conjugate vaccines such as Menjugate or NeisVac-C, which are designed to cross-link the receptor and initiate B-cell activation (Snape et al., 2008). Upon antigen binding, the BCR facilitates the internalization of the polysaccharide-protein conjugate, leading to T-cell dependent immune responses, high-affinity antibody production, and the establishment of long-term immunological memory (Pollard et al., 2009). These induced antibodies provide protection by activating the complement system to kill the bacteria, a process monitored by serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) assays (Goldschneider et al., 1969). Targeting this specific BCR is essential for preventing invasive meningococcal disease, particularly in vulnerable populations like infants and adolescents (CDC, 2023).

Other names

Meningococcal serogroup C B-cell receptorMenC CPS-specific BCRAnti-MenC capsular polysaccharide B-cell receptorNeisseria meningitidis group C BCR

Vaccine antigens (polysaccharide-protein conjugates) bind to the B-cell receptor, inducing receptor clustering and internalization, which triggers B-cell activation, antigen presentation to T-cells, and differentiation into high-affinity antibody-secreting plasma cells and memory B-cells.