Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C capsular polysaccharide (MenC CPS) (MenC CPS)

The Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C capsular surface is defined by its unique capsular polysaccharide, which consists of a homopolymer of alpha-2,9-linked N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid) [PMID: 11511254]. This capsule is a vital virulence factor that protects the bacterium from the host's immune system by preventing phagocytosis and inhibiting the alternative complement pathway [PMID: 15105017]. It serves as the primary target for both polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines designed to prevent invasive meningococcal disease [PMID: 22434234]. In conjugate vaccines, the polysaccharide is chemically linked to a carrier protein to enhance immunogenicity and induce immunological memory, particularly in infants [PMID: 11146337]. The successful targeting of this surface antigen has led to a dramatic decline in the prevalence of serogroup C meningitis and septicemia in vaccinated populations [PMID: 15710694].

Other names

Group C meningococcal polysaccharideMenC polysaccharidealpha-2,9-linked sialic acidNeisseria meningitidis serogroup C capsule

Induction of protective serum bactericidal antibodies that facilitate complement-mediated lysis and opsonophagocytosis of the bacteria [PMID: 11146337, PMID: 15105017].