Neisseria meningitidis Group B Antigen (MenB Antigen)

Neisseria meningitidis group B antigen refers primarily to the capsular polysaccharide and associated surface proteins that define serogroup B of Neisseria meningitidis, a major cause of invasive bacterial disease such as meningitis and sepsis. The capsular polysaccharide is an α(2–8)-linked homopolymer of sialic acid, which mimics human neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), leading to poor immunogenicity. Modern vaccines target surface proteins like NadA, fHbp, NHBA, and PorA to induce protective immunity.

Other names

Group B Meningococcal AntigenMenB Capsular PolysaccharideMenB Surface ProteinsNadA (Neisserial adhesin A)fHbp (Factor H binding protein)NHBA (Neisserial heparin binding antigen)PorA

Induction of bactericidal antibodies against surface antigens, including NadA, fHbp, NHBA, and PorA, leading to complement-mediated killing and opsonophagocytosis of Neisseria meningitidis group B bacteria.