Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C capsular polysaccharide-specific B-cell receptor (MenC CPS-specific BCR)

The Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C capsular polysaccharide-specific B-cell receptor is a specialized membrane-bound immunoglobulin complex found on the surface of specific B lymphocyte subsets. Its primary biological role is the high-affinity recognition of the alpha(2-9)-linked sialic acid homopolymer that forms the protective capsule of serogroup C meningococci [1]. This recognition event is the fundamental trigger for the humoral immune response against invasive meningococcal disease, which can manifest as devastating meningitis or septicemia [2]. In clinical practice, this receptor is the primary target for meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccines, which utilize the polysaccharide antigen to stimulate B-cell activation [3]. Upon binding, the receptor facilitates the internalization of the antigen, leading to T-cell dependent or independent signaling pathways that result in the production of protective IgG antibodies [4]. These antibodies provide immunity by promoting bacterial opsonization and complement-mediated lysis [5]. Consequently, the interaction between the vaccine and this specific B-cell receptor is essential for establishing long-term immunological memory and herd immunity within populations [6]. Sources: [1] Harrison, O. B., et al. (2013) J Infect; [2] Rosenstein, N. E., et al. (2001) NEJM; [3] Pollard, A. J., et al. (2009) Nat Rev Immunol; [4] Mond, J. J., et al. (1995) Annu Rev Immunol; [5] Borrow, R., et al. (2013) Expert Rev Vaccines; [6] Maiden, M. C., et al. (2008) Vaccine.

Other names

Meningococcal group C polysaccharide B-cell receptorAnti-MenC BCRSerogroup C capsular polysaccharide receptorMenC-specific B-lymphocyte receptor

Vaccine antigens bind specifically to the B-cell receptor, triggering receptor-mediated endocytosis, intracellular signaling, and B-cell differentiation into protective antibody-secreting plasma cells and memory B-cells.