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Target intelligence / Profile preview
Neisseria meningitidis Group W Capsular Polysaccharide (Group W CPS)
- Target
- Group W CPS
- Molecular classification
- Polysaccharide, Capsular Polysaccharide, Sialic acid polymer
01
Overview
The capsular polysaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis group W is a high-molecular-weight carbohydrate polymer that forms a protective capsule around the bacterium. This capsule is the main virulence determinant for N. meningitidis, enabling it to evade host immune responses and cause invasive diseases such as septicemia and meningitis. It is composed of repeating units containing sialic acid linked to galactose. Antibodies targeting this capsule are crucial for protection against infection; thus, it serves as a vaccine target. Group W capsular polysaccharide is one of five major types responsible for most cases of invasive disease worldwide and forms the basis for several licensed vaccines.
- Other names
- Serogroup W Capsular PolysaccharideN. meningitidis Group W PolysaccharideW-135 Capsular Polysaccharide
02
Mechanism of action
Vaccines stimulate antibody production against the polysaccharide, leading to opsonization and complement-mediated killing of bacteria.
03
Biological functions
Immune evasionAnti-phagocytosisComplement resistanceVirulence factorCapsule formation
04
Disease associations
Invasive meningococcal diseaseMeningitisSepticemiaInfection
05
Safety considerations
Capsule switchingLimited efficacy of polysaccharide vaccines in young children (addressed by conjugate vaccines)Potential for vaccine escape mutants
06
Interacting drugs
Polysaccharide vaccines
1 more in the full profile.
07
Biomarkers
Antibody titers against Group W CPS
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