Capsular polysaccharide type 8 of Staphylococcus aureus (CP8)

Capsular polysaccharide type 8 (CP8) of *Staphylococcus aureus* is a surface carbohydrate polymer, one of the two major capsule serotypes found on clinical isolates (the other being type 5)[2][3][4][5][6][7]. Structurally, CP8 is a partially *N*-acetylated trisaccharide repeating unit containing *N*-acetylmannosaminuronic acid, *N*-acetyl l-fucosamine, and *N*-acetyl d-fucosamine, with specific glycosidic linkages and distinct acetylation patterns determining antigenicity and immune recognition[4][5]. The capsule impedes host phagocytosis, reduces antimicrobial killing, promotes abscess formation, and modulates T cell responses, thereby enhancing pathogenicity and persistence[1][3][6][7]. Vaccines targeting CP8 aim to induce serotype-specific anti-capsular antibodies to neutralize these functions, although antigenic diversity can present coverage challenges[4][6].

Other names

CP8S. aureus capsule type 8Staphylococcus aureus CP8Serotype 8 capsular polysaccharide

Vaccines targeting CP8 induce protective anti-capsular antibodies that promote opsonophagocytosis and clearance of S. aureus. Antisera neutralize capsule-mediated immune evasion and restore phagocytic killing.