Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A, C, W, and Y capsular polysaccharide antigens (MenACWY)

Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A, C, W, and Y capsular polysaccharide antigens are essential surface structures that define the serogroups of the meningococcus and play a pivotal role in its pathogenicity (Stephens et al., 2007, The Lancet). These polysaccharides act as a protective shield, allowing the bacteria to evade the host's innate immune system by inhibiting phagocytosis and preventing the deposition of complement proteins (Ram et al., 2011, FEBS Letters). As therapeutic targets, these antigens are utilized in the development of capsular polysaccharide vaccines and conjugate vaccines, which aim to induce protective serum bactericidal activity (SBA) (Pollard et al., 2009, Nature Reviews Immunology). By introducing these antigens into the host, the immune system generates long-lived memory B cells and high-affinity antibodies that recognize and neutralize the bacteria upon subsequent exposure (Harrison et al., 2009, Vaccine). This targeted approach is the primary method for preventing invasive meningococcal disease, including meningitis and sepsis, globally (CDC, 2023, Pink Book).

Other names

Meningococcal serogroup A, C, W-135, and Y polysaccharidesMenACWY antigensNeisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharidesQuadrivalent meningococcal polysaccharide antigens

Induction of humoral immune response leading to the production of serogroup-specific serum bactericidal antibodies that facilitate complement-mediated killing of Neisseria meningitidis.