B-cell receptor specific for Vi capsular polysaccharide (Vi-BCR)

B-cell receptors specific for Vi capsular polysaccharide are membrane-bound immunoglobulins located on the surface of B lymphocytes that selectively recognize the Vi (Virulence) antigen of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi [1]. The Vi antigen is a linear polymer of alpha-1,4-linked N-acetylgalactosaminuronic acid, which is a key virulence factor that helps the pathogen evade the host immune system [2]. When these receptors bind to the Vi polysaccharide, they initiate intracellular signaling cascades that drive the production of protective antibodies, which are essential for neutralizing the bacteria during infection [3]. In the context of vaccination, these receptors are the primary targets for both plain polysaccharide vaccines and newer conjugate vaccines, the latter of which recruit T-cell help to induce long-lasting immunological memory [4]. Monitoring the activation and maturation of these specific B-cell populations is a critical component of evaluating the efficacy of typhoid fever prevention strategies [5]. [Sources: 1. PubChem, 2. WHO Typhoid Vaccines Position Paper, 3. Lynch et al., Nature Scientific Reports 2021, 4. Pollard et al., Lancet 2017, 5. Janeway's Immunobiology].

Other names

Vi-specific B-cell receptorSalmonella Typhi Vi antigen receptorVi-polysaccharide BCRAnti-Vi B-cell receptor

Antigen-mediated cross-linking of B-cell receptors leading to B-cell activation, clonal expansion, and differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells.