Title : Translational vaccinomics and structural filtration algorithm to device multiepitope vaccine for catastrophic monkeypox virus
Abstract:
Background: The most recent monkeypox outbreak began in April of 2022, and the initial confirmed case was reported on May 7. The disease then spread to 70 non-endemic countries in less than 15 days, prompting the World Health Organization to declare monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern on July 23. The lack of particular treatments with minimal side effects drives the development of antiviral medicines in response to this catastrophic viral illness.
Objectives: To develop a highly immunogenic multiepitope subunit vaccine against the monkeypox virus using an in silico translational vaccinomics technique.
Methods: Highly antigenic B cell and T cell (HTL and CTL) epitopes were predicted and conjugated with the help of unique linkers. An adjuvant (β-defensin) and a pan-HLA DR sequence were attached at the vaccine construct's N-terminal to invoke a robust immunological response. Additionally, physiochemical, allergic, toxic, and antigenic properties were anticipated. Interactions between the vaccine candidate and the TLR3 demonstrated that the vaccine candidate triggers a robust immunological response. Finally, the stability is confirmed by the molecular dynamics study. The modified vaccine candidate's ability to produce a protective immune response were verified by an immune dynamics simulation study conducted via C-ImmSim server.
Results: The developed multiepitope subunit vaccine against monkeypox virus successfully generated B cells, Th cells, and Tc cells. B cells generate virus-specific antibodies, Th cells recruit and coordinate with immune cells, and Tc cells target and kill infected cells directly. This vaccine candidate significantly elevated IFN-γ production, that improves immune cell's killing ability and inhibits virus replication.
Conclusion: Findings suggest that the vaccine candidate has the potential to elicit a robust and protective immune response against monkeypox virus.
Audience take away:
- Subunit vaccine was developed using translational vaccinomics approach to tackle monkey-pox virus.
- Subunit vaccine consisting of the immunogenic epitopes precisely selected from the antigenic proteins of monkey-pox virus.
- Developed vaccine comprising of B-cell and T-cell epitopes having ability to induce both humoral and cell mediated immune response.
- Developed subunit vaccine passes on the allergenicity parameter and found to be safe and immunogenic.
