Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A capsular polysaccharide-specific B-cell receptor (MenA CPS-specific BCR) (MenA CPS-specific BCR)

Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A capsular polysaccharide-specific B-cell receptors (BCRs) are membrane-bound immunoglobulins on B lymphocytes that specifically recognize the alpha-(1->6)-linked N-acetyl-D-mannosamine-1-phosphate repeating units of the MenA capsule [1, 2]. These receptors are the primary immunological targets for vaccines aimed at preventing invasive meningococcal disease, particularly in the African meningitis belt where serogroup A has historically caused massive epidemics [1]. Upon binding to their specific polysaccharide antigen—typically presented as a conjugate with a carrier protein—these BCRs initiate intracellular signaling pathways that lead to B-cell activation, germinal center formation, and the production of protective IgG antibodies [2, 4]. These antibodies provide immunity by promoting complement-mediated bacterial lysis and opsonophagocytosis [3]. The success of the MenAfriVac campaign highlights the importance of these receptors in generating population-wide herd immunity [1, 2]. Monitoring the functional activity of the antibodies produced by these B cells via the serum bactericidal assay (SBA) remains the gold standard for assessing vaccine-induced protection [3].

Other names

MenA-specific B-cell receptorAnti-MenA capsular polysaccharide antibodyMeningococcal serogroup A polysaccharide-specific BCRMenA CPS-binding immunoglobulinNeisseria meningitidis serogroup A capsular polysaccharide-specific antibody

Vaccine antigens bind to the B-cell receptor, inducing receptor clustering and signaling that leads to B-cell proliferation, isotype switching, and differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells and memory B cells [2, 4].