Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C capsular polysaccharide antigen

The **Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C capsular polysaccharide antigen** is a high-molecular-weight, surface-exposed carbohydrate polymer that forms the outer capsule of *Neisseria meningitidis* serogroup C. This capsule is composed of repetitive units of sialic acid residues (specifically, α(2→9)-linked N-acetylneuraminic acid)[3]. It is the principal virulence factor enabling the bacterium to evade host immune responses by inhibiting complement-mediated killing and phagocytosis, which is critical for survival in the bloodstream and for pathogenesis. Antibodies generated against this polysaccharide provide protective immunity, and the antigen constitutes the basis for licensed polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines targeting serogroup C. The conjugate form (linked to carrier protein) is especially effective, as it induces long-lasting, robust immunity with immunological memory, including in infants—a key population at risk[3][4]. **Note:** The submitted target name was accurate but imprecise in format; the scientifically standard designation is “Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C capsular polysaccharide antigen”[3][4]. It is recognized as a distinct and well-validated vaccine and diagnostic antigen.

Other names

Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C polysaccharideNmC polysaccharideMeningococcal group C polysaccharideSerogroup C capsule antigen

Induction of antibody-mediated immunity via recognition of capsular polysaccharide as a T-cell–independent antigen (in plain polysaccharide vaccines)[3][4] Induction of T-cell–dependent immune response when conjugated to carrier proteins, resulting in immunological memory and robust protection (in conjugate vaccines)[3][4]