Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharide antigens conjugated to CRM197 carrier protein (MenACWY-CRM)

Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharide antigens presented on CRM197 carrier protein are the primary immunogenic components of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccines. These antigens consist of purified capsular polysaccharides from Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135, which are chemically linked to CRM197, a non-toxic mutant of the diphtheria toxin (Pichichero, 2013). While pure polysaccharides are T-cell independent antigens that fail to induce immunological memory or robust responses in infants, conjugation to the CRM197 protein converts them into T-cell dependent antigens (CDC, 2023). This modification allows for the activation of helper T cells, leading to the development of high-affinity antibodies and long-term B-cell memory. The primary therapeutic goal is the induction of serum bactericidal antibodies that protect against invasive meningococcal disease, including meningitis and septicemia (WHO, 2023). This target is essential for public health strategies aimed at reducing the global burden of bacterial meningitis. Upon administration, the immune system recognizes the polysaccharide-protein complex, processing the CRM197 carrier to present peptides to T cells, which then provide necessary signals to B cells specific for the polysaccharide (FDA, 2023).

Other names

Meningococcal conjugate vaccineMenACWY-CRM197CRM197-conjugated meningococcal polysaccharidesQuadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccineMenACWY-CRM

Induction of serum bactericidal antibodies that facilitate complement-mediated lysis of Neisseria meningitidis.