Neisseria meningitidis Polysaccharide Capsule (N/A)

The polysaccharide capsule of *Neisseria meningitidis* is a high-molecular-weight carbohydrate structure that surrounds the bacterial cell and is a major virulence factor. It allows the bacterium to evade the host's immune system, causing invasive diseases like meningitis and septicemia. Different serogroups are defined by the capsule's chemical composition, with serogroups A, B, C, W, X, and Y being the most common causes of disease. The capsule is a key target for vaccine development, with conjugate vaccines available for serogroups A, C, W, and Y. However, the serogroup B capsule's similarity to human neural tissue presents challenges for vaccine design. Capsule switching and phase variation contribute to immune evasion and complicate diagnostic efforts.

Other names

Meningococcal CapsuleCapsular PolysaccharideCPS

Antibodies targeting the capsule promote opsonization and complement-mediated killing.