Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup C Capsular Polysaccharide Conjugate Antigen (MenC CPS Conjugate)

The Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C capsular polysaccharide conjugate antigen is a vaccine component designed to induce immunity against invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C. This antigen consists of the capsular polysaccharide from serogroup C, chemically linked (conjugated) to a carrier protein, which enhances immunogenicity, especially in infants and young children. The conjugate vaccine is more immunogenic than plain polysaccharide vaccines: they induce higher antibody titers, generate immune memory, provide herd protection by reducing nasopharyngeal carriage, and are effective in infants who respond poorly to unconjugated polysaccharides.

Other names

N. meningitidis serogroup C polysaccharide-protein conjugateMenC conjugate vaccine antigenSerogroup C capsular polysaccharide conjugate

The vaccine works by presenting the immune system with the capsular polysaccharide antigen from N. meningitidis serogroup C attached to a carrier protein. This stimulates B cells via T cell help—leading not only to production of protective antibodies but also long-term immune memory.