Pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide serotype 7F (CPS7F)

Pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide serotype 7F is a complex carbohydrate structure that forms the outermost layer of the Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 7F bacterium. This polysaccharide acts as a primary virulence factor by shielding the pathogen from the host's immune system, specifically by inhibiting opsonophagocytosis by complement and leucocytes (Source: PubMed, PMID: 11850360). Serotype 7F is frequently associated with highly invasive disease, including bacteremia and meningitis, particularly in children and young adults (Source: CDC, Pink Book). As a therapeutic target, it is included in several multi-valent pneumococcal vaccines, such as PCV13, PCV15, PCV20, and PPSV23. These vaccines work by inducing the production of serotype-specific antibodies that recognize the 7F polysaccharide, thereby facilitating the clearance of the bacteria by the immune system (Source: FDA, Prevnar 13 Label). Monitoring the efficacy of these interventions typically involves measuring serotype-specific IgG levels and opsonophagocytic activity (Source: WHO Technical Report Series). The chemical structure of the 7F polysaccharide is unique among pneumococcal serotypes, consisting of a heptasaccharide repeating unit that includes glucose, galactose, rhamnose, and N-acetylglucosamine (Source: PubChem). Therapeutic challenges include the potential for serotype replacement, where the reduction of 7F in the population may lead to the emergence of other non-vaccine serotypes (Source: Lancet Infectious Diseases).

Other names

Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 7F capsular polysaccharide7F polysaccharideSpn7FPneumococcal 7F CPS

Induction of active humoral immunity through the production of serotype-specific opsonizing antibodies that facilitate phagocytosis and killing of Streptococcus pneumoniae.