Streptococcus pneumoniae Capsular Polysaccharide (CPS)

The capsular polysaccharide (CPS) of *Streptococcus pneumoniae* is the dominant surface structure and primary virulence factor. The capsule protects the organism from host immune responses, particularly by interfering with opsonophagocytic clearance mechanisms. There are 98 recognized serotypes, each defined by unique chemical structures in their polysaccharide repeat units which confers distinct immunogenic properties. Capsule biosynthesis occurs via a conserved mechanism involving assembly on a lipid carrier. The capsular polysaccharides are highly immunogenic but elicit strictly serotype-specific immunity. Current pneumococcal vaccines use purified or conjugated forms of selected capsular polysaccharides.

Other names

Pneumococcal Capsular PolysaccharideS. pneumoniae CPSCapsular PolysaccharidePneumococcal polysaccharide

Antibody-mediated opsonization and complement activation following vaccine-induced immunity.