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Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharide C (CPS C)

Target: CPS C
Molecular classification: Polysaccharide, Capsular polysaccharide

Overview

Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharide C is a surface-expressed carbohydrate polymer that forms the capsule of *N. meningitidis* serogroup C. The capsule is a critical virulence factor, enabling the bacterium to evade host immune responses and survive in the bloodstream, which is essential for causing invasive diseases such as septicemia and meningitis. It is composed of sialic acid (N-acetylneuraminic acid) residues linked via α(2→9) glycosidic bonds. Serogroup C capsular polysaccharide forms one component of licensed conjugate vaccines used globally to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by group C strains.

Other names: Serogroup C capsular polysaccharideGroup C capsular polysaccharideN. meningitidis CPS CSialic acid α(2→9) homopolymer

Mechanism of action

Antibody binding to capsule leading to opsonization and complement-mediated killing after vaccination.

Biological functions

Immune evasionAntiphagocytosisSerum resistanceAdhesion inhibition

Disease associations

Invasive meningococcal diseaseMeningitisSepticemia

Safety considerations

Capsule switching leading to vaccine escapeLimited efficacy in certain populations (e.g., infants)Potential for reduced vaccine effectiveness due to waning immunity

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