Neisseria meningitidis Polysaccharide Capsule (Serogroup Y) (Serogroup Y Capsule)

The polysaccharide capsule of *Neisseria meningitidis* serogroup Y is a major virulence factor composed of repeating units of sialic acid linked to glucose or galactose. Encoded by genes within the *cps* locus, this capsule enables the bacterium to evade host immune responses, specifically preventing phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. It is a key target for vaccines designed to prevent invasive meningococcal disease. Rising incidence rates of serogroup Y, especially certain hypervirulent strains, underscore its clinical importance.

Other names

Group Y Meningococcal PolysaccharideNmY Capsule

Vaccine-induced antibody production against the capsule, leading to opsonization and complement-mediated killing of bacteria