Neisseria meningitidis Group C Polysaccharide-Protein Conjugate (MenC conjugate vaccine)

The Neisseria meningitidis group C polysaccharide-protein conjugate is a vaccine antigen designed to prevent invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C. This target molecule consists of the capsular polysaccharide from N. meningitidis group C, chemically linked (conjugated) to a carrier protein, typically diphtheria or tetanus toxoid. The conjugation enhances immunogenicity, especially in infants and young children, by inducing T-cell dependent immune responses and immunological memory.

Other names

Group C meningococcal conjugate vaccineMenC vaccineN. meningitidis serogroup C polysaccharide conjugate

The vaccine introduces purified group C capsular polysaccharides bound to a carrier protein. Upon administration: Antigen-presenting cells process both components. Helper T-cells recognize peptides from the carrier protein presented on MHC II molecules. B-cells specific for the capsular polysaccharide receive help from these activated T-cells. This results in robust antibody production against the capsule plus long-term memory cell formation.