Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W-135 (N. meningitidis W-135)

Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W-135 is a subgroup (serogroup) of Neisseria meningitidis, a Gram-negative, encapsulated diplococcus bacterium that is a leading cause of invasive bacterial meningitis and septicemia worldwide[1][7]. The W-135 designation refers to the organism's polysaccharide capsule antigen, which is critical for both its virulence and classification. Serogroup W-135 emerged as a significant public health concern following global outbreaks, particularly after mass gatherings such as Hajj, due to its association with the hypervirulent ST-11 clonal complex[5][2]. This serogroup is not a single therapeutic target (such as an individual enzyme, receptor, or protein), but rather a population of related bacterial strains defined by their capsular antigen and genetic characteristics. Vaccines that include serogroup W-135 capsular polysaccharide are the primary preventive strategy, while antibiotics are used for treatment[7]. It is not considered a drug target or receptor in the molecular pharmacology sense, but rather a category for vaccine development and pathogen surveillance. - This entry refers to a bacterial serogroup (population) rather than a distinct molecular entity such as a receptor, enzyme, or protein. Its relevance is for infection management and vaccine development, not as a direct pharmacological or therapeutic "target" in the classic molecular sense[1][7]. - Use for vaccine development and bacterial typing, not as a standalone molecular target for drug action.

Other names

Serogroup W135 Neisseria meningitidisNMW135Meningococcus W135

Vaccines: Induction of immune response against capsular polysaccharides of W-135 to prevent infection Antibiotics: Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis or other bacterial targets (standard for N. meningitidis infections)