Capsular polysaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W-135 (MenW-135 CPS)

The capsular polysaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W-135 is a critical virulence factor that forms the outermost layer of the bacterium, playing a vital role in its survival within the human host. It is a polymer composed of repeating disaccharide units of galactose and sialic acid, specifically →6)-α-D-Galp-(1→4)-α-Neu5Ac-(2→ [1]. This structure allows the pathogen to evade the host's innate immune system by inhibiting opsonophagocytosis and providing resistance to complement-mediated lysis [2]. As a primary target for prophylactic intervention, this polysaccharide is used in the formulation of quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines (MenACWY), where it is typically conjugated to a carrier protein like diphtheria toxoid or CRM197 to elicit a T-cell dependent immune response [3]. These vaccines work by inducing the production of high-affinity antibodies that recognize the W-135 capsule, facilitating bacterial clearance through the complement system [4]. Given the potential for serogroup W-135 to cause severe outbreaks of meningitis and septicemia, its capsular polysaccharide remains a cornerstone of global immunization strategies [5]. Sources: [1] Bhattacharjee AK, et al. J Biol Chem. 1976;251(18):5614-9. [2] Lewis LA, Ram S. Virulence. 2014;5(1):98-126. [3] CDC. Meningococcal Vaccination: Information for Healthcare Professionals. 2023. [4] Borrow R, et al. Vaccine. 2005;23(17-18):2222-7. [5] WHO. Meningococcal meningitis Fact Sheet. 2023.

Other names

Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W capsular polysaccharideMenW polysaccharideW-135 polysaccharideMeningococcal serogroup W-135 capsular polysaccharide

Induction of serum bactericidal antibodies that facilitate complement-mediated lysis and opsonophagocytosis of the bacteria.