Structure of a protective epitope reveals the importance of acetylation of <i>Neisseria meningitidis</i> serogroup A capsular polysaccharide
Pedro Rangel Henriques, Lucia Dello Iacono, Ana Gimeno, Alessia Biolchi, Maria Rosaria Romano, Ana Ardá, Gonҫalo J. L. Bernardes, Jesús Jiménez‐Barbero, Francesco Berti, Rino Rappuoli, Roberto Adamo
Abstract
Significance The elucidation of structural epitopes is key to understanding the mechanisms of action of vaccines. Here a multidisciplinary approach was used to map the glycan epitope of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A capsular polysaccharide, a component of marketed vaccines, with a monoclonal antibody capable of triggering human complement-mediated bactericidal killing. The epitope was found to be composed of a trisaccharide motif, in which acetylation moieties play a pivotal role in binding. This study will guide the design of improved vaccines and therapeutics.