Streptococcus pneumoniae Type 4 Capsule Polysaccharide (CPS Type 4)

The Streptococcus pneumoniae type 4 capsule polysaccharide is a serotype-specific, high-molecular-weight carbohydrate polymer that forms the outermost layer (capsule) of the bacterium S. pneumoniae serotype 4. This capsule is a critical virulence factor, enabling the bacterium to evade host immune responses. The type 4 capsular polysaccharide is also a key antigenic target in pneumococcal vaccines, which are designed to elicit protective immunity against specific serotypes.

Other names

S. pneumoniae Type 4 CapsulePneumococcal Type 4 Capsular PolysaccharideType 4 CPSStreptococcus pneumoniae serotype 4 capsular polysaccharide

Vaccines induce antibody production that opsonizes the bacteria, facilitating phagocytosis and clearance. Serotype-specific antibodies bind to the capsule, neutralizing its antiphagocytic properties.