Capsular polysaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A (NmA-CPS)

The capsular polysaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A is a surface carbohydrate polymer that constitutes the main virulence determinant for this bacterial serogroup[1][3][10]. The capsule enables the bacterium to evade complement-mediated killing, promoting invasive diseases such as meningitis and septicemia[1][10]. Structurally, the NmA polysaccharide is composed of (α1→6)-linked N-acetylmannosamine-1-phosphate repeating units and is often O-acetylated, a modification essential for immunogenicity and stability[5]. These capsular polysaccharides serve as epidemiologic markers, are central to serogrouping/classification, and are also the primary antigens in polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines (e.g., Menveo, Nimenrix), which induce protective, long-lasting immune responses[6][8][10].

Other names

NmA capsuleNeisseria meningitidis group A capsular polysaccharide

Induction of protective antibody response by presenting capsular polysaccharides to the immune system via conjugate vaccines, enabling recognition and clearance of Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y[6][8][10].