Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C capsular oligosaccharide (None universally standard; sometimes abbreviated as MenC oligosaccharide or MenC CPS (capsular polysaccharide), but not consistently in literature[6][5].)

Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C capsular oligosaccharide is a linear carbohydrate polymer composed of partly O-acetylated N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid) residues linked by α-(2→9) glycosidic bonds[6]. This capsular oligosaccharide forms a thick protective coating around the bacterium, shielding it from the host immune system, and serves as the principal antigen for serogroup C–specific conjugate vaccines. Immunization with MenC conjugate vaccines elicits robust antibody responses, leading to effective protection against serogroup C meningococcal disease[5][6]. The molecule itself is not a receptor or enzyme but a carbohydrate antigen; its immunological significance makes it the prime target for vaccine development. Vaccine-induced antibodies bind the capsule, enabling the immune system to destroy the bacteria through complement activation and phagocytosis[2][5].\n\nFor further reference, note that the serogroup C capsule is distinct from other serogroups (e.g., A, B, W, Y) in both sugar composition and linkage structure, with the specific α-(2→9) sialic acid polymer forming the group C determinant[6].

Other names

MenC oligosaccharideMenC capsular polysaccharideMeningococcal group C polysaccharideNeisseria meningitidis group C capsule

Induction of protective antibodies that recognize and opsonize the MenC capsule\nAntibodies facilitate phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing of the bacterium[2][5]