Neisseria meningitidis W-135 capsular polysaccharide

The Neisseria meningitidis W-135 capsular polysaccharide is a high-molecular-weight carbohydrate polymer that forms the outer capsule of serogroup W-135 strains of Neisseria meningitidis, a major cause of invasive meningococcal disease including meningitis. The W-135 polysaccharide consists of alternating units of α-D-galactose and α-D-N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid), linked by α-(1→4) and α-(2→6) glycosidic bonds, and is often partially O-acetylated[1][5][7]. This capsule acts as a key virulence factor by protecting the bacterium against host immune defenses, particularly complement-mediated killing, and is the target antigen for immune responses elicited by current quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines[2][4][7]. The gene cluster responsible for its biosynthesis is located in the cps locus and includes genes such as synG for polymerase activity specific to W-135[1][3][4]. Vaccines based on purified or conjugated W-135 polysaccharide induce protective antibodies and are critical in preventing outbreaks of meningococcal disease globally[6][7].

Other names

Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W-135 polysaccharideMenW-135 polysaccharideMeningococcal W-135 capsular polysaccharide

Induction of protective antibody response (vaccines use W-135 polysaccharide to induce immunity)