Surface antigens of Neisseria meningitidis

Surface antigens of Neisseria meningitidis encompass the structurally and functionally diverse molecules present on the bacterial outer membrane and capsule, including capsular polysaccharides, lipooligosaccharide, and numerous outer membrane proteins such as porins (PorA, PorB), adhesins (Opa, Opc, NadA, NHBA, fHBP), and autotransporters. These antigens collectively facilitate the bacterium’s immune evasion, survival in the host, and ability to cause severe invasive disease (meningitis, sepsis). Many are under strong selective pressure from host immunity, undergo phase and antigenic variation, and are the major determinants of serogrouping and vaccine efficacy. Some, such as the polysaccharide capsule, are highly immunogenic and form the basis for classification and vaccine targets, while others (e.g., OMPs and adhesins) contribute to host cell attachment and colonization.

Other names

Meningococcal surface antigensN. meningitidis surface proteinsOuter membrane antigens of Neisseria meningitidisCapsular antigens

Vaccine-induced antibody binding and complement activation resulting in bactericidal killing Antibodies blocking adherence and invasion