Streptococcus pneumoniae type 11a capsular polysaccharide (CPS 11a)

The Streptococcus pneumoniae type 11a capsular polysaccharide is a serotype-specific, high-molecular-weight carbohydrate polymer that forms the outermost layer of the bacterial cell envelope. This capsule is covalently attached to the peptidoglycan cell wall and can be up to approximately 400 nm thick, accounting for more than half of the pneumococcal volume. The capsule serves as a major virulence factor by protecting the bacterium from phagocytosis and interfering with host immune clearance mechanisms. It exhibits significant structural diversity across serotypes (over 98 recognized), resulting in differences in immunogenicity and antigenicity. Type 11a is one such serotype; its specific structure determines its antigenic properties and role in disease.

Other names

Pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide type 11AStreptococcus pneumoniae type 11a capsular polysaccharide antigenPneumococcal capsular polysaccharide type 11A vaccine

Active immunization, induces antibody production