Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular polysaccharide serotype 14 (CPS14) (CPS14)

Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular polysaccharide serotype 14 (CPS14) is a complex carbohydrate structure that forms the outermost protective layer of the serotype 14 pneumococcus bacterium. It serves as a primary virulence factor by acting as an antiphagocytic barrier that prevents host complement proteins from opsonizing the bacterial surface, thereby allowing the pathogen to evade destruction by phagocytic cells [1]. The chemical structure of CPS14 consists of a repeating tetrasaccharide unit containing glucose, galactose, and N-acetylglucosamine [2]. Due to its high prevalence in invasive pneumococcal diseases like pneumonia and meningitis, CPS14 is a critical antigenic component in multi-valent pneumococcal vaccines [3]. These vaccines, including conjugate and polysaccharide formulations, target CPS14 to induce the production of serotype-specific IgG antibodies [4]. These antibodies neutralize the capsule's protective effect, facilitating opsonophagocytosis and providing protective immunity against infections caused by this specific serotype [5]. Monitoring the efficacy of drugs targeting CPS14 typically involves measuring serotype-specific antibody concentrations and opsonophagocytic activity [4]. [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3133335/ [2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11511295/ [3] https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/pneumo.html [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4924443/ [5] https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines/prevnar-20

Other names

Pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 14S. pneumoniae type 14 capsular polysaccharideSpn14 CPSType 14 pneumococcal polysaccharide

Induction of serotype-specific opsonizing antibodies that facilitate phagocytosis and clearance of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 14.