Target intelligence / Profile preview

Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharide W (MenW)

Target: MenW
Molecular classification: Polysaccharide, Capsular polysaccharide

Overview

Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharide W is a surface-expressed carbohydrate polymer that forms the capsule surrounding certain strains of *Neisseria meningitidis*. It consists of repeating units of sialic acid (N-acetylneuraminic acid) alternately linked with D-galactose residues. The capsule is a major virulence determinant, enabling the bacterium to evade host immune responses. Conjugate vaccines targeting serogroup W are used for prevention of invasive meningococcal disease.

Other names: Serogroup W capsular polysaccharideGroup W capsular polysaccharideSerogroup WW-135

Mechanism of action

Antibody production against the capsular polysaccharide, leading to opsonization and complement-mediated killing of *N. meningitidis*.

Biological functions

Immune evasionAnti-phagocytic shieldVirulence factor

Disease associations

InfectionMeningitisSepticemia

Safety considerations

Vaccine-related adverse reactions (e.g., injection site reactions, fever)

Interacting drugs

Conjugate vaccines (containing purified group W capsular polysaccharide)

Beyond the preview

Go deeper on Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharide W (MenW).

Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.

Drug pipeline

Explore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.

Drug candidates
Developers
Development stage

Clinical trials

Follow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.

Trial design
Status
Readouts

Competitive landscape

Compare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.

Programs
Modalities
Indications

Literature & evidence

Investigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.

Publications
Sources
Analysis

Patents

Explore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.

Patents
Assignees
Technologies

Research & analysis

Connect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.

Biology
Development news
Analysis

Bring the full picture into focus.

See how Gosset can support your research on Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharide W (MenW).

Explore the full profile