Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C-specific B-cell receptor and CD4+ T-cell receptor (MenC-specific BCR and TCR)

The MenC-specific B-cell receptor (BCR) and CD4+ T-cell receptor (TCR) are the fundamental molecular components of the adaptive immune system that recognize and respond to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (MenC) antigens. The BCR is a membrane-bound immunoglobulin on B lymphocytes that specifically binds the MenC capsular polysaccharide, a key virulence factor of the bacterium. In the context of conjugate vaccines, the BCR facilitates the internalization of the polysaccharide-protein complex, leading to the presentation of carrier-derived peptides on MHC class II molecules to the TCR of CD4+ T helper cells. This coordinated interaction between the BCR and TCR is essential for the induction of a thymus-dependent immune response, which results in B-cell affinity maturation, isotype switching to IgG, and the generation of long-lived memory B cells and plasma cells. These receptors are the primary targets of meningococcal conjugate vaccines, which are designed to elicit high titers of protective bactericidal antibodies and provide long-term immunity against invasive meningococcal disease.

Other names

Meningococcal group C-specific B-cell receptorMeningococcal group C-specific T-cell receptorMenC-specific BCRMenC-specific TCRNeisseria meningitidis serogroup C polysaccharide-specific receptors

Induction of a thymus-dependent immune response through the coordinated activation of polysaccharide-specific B cells and carrier-specific CD4+ T helper cells, leading to high-affinity bactericidal antibody production and immunological memory.