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Khan A, Ali SS, Khan A, Zahid MA, Alshabrmi FM, Waheed Y, Agouni A. Structural proteomics guided annotation of vaccine targets and designing of multi-epitopes vaccine to instigate adaptive immune response against Francisella tularensis. Microb Pathog 2024:106777. [PMID: 39002657 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis can cause severe disease in humans via the respiratory or cutaneous routes and a case fatality ratio of up to 10% is reported due to lack of proper antibiotic treatment, while F. novicida causes disease in severely immunocompromised individuals. Efforts are needed to develop effective vaccine candidates against Francisella species. Thus, in this study, a systematic computational work frame was used to deeply investigate the whole proteome of Francisella novicida containing 1,728 proteins to develop vaccine against F. tularensis and related species. Whole-proteome analysis revealed that four proteins including (A0Q492) (A0Q7Y4), (A0Q4N4), and (A0Q5D9) are the suitable vaccine targets after the removal of homologous, paralogous and prediction of subcellular localization. These proteins were used to predict the T cell, B cell, and HTL epitopes which were joined together through suitable linkers to construct a multi-epitopes vaccine (MEVC). The MEVC was found to be highly immunogenic and non-allergenic while the physiochemical properties revealed the feasible expression and purification. Moreover, the molecular interaction of MEVC with TLR2, molecular simulation, and binding free energy analyses further validated the immune potential of the construct. According to Jcat analysis, the refined sequence demonstrates GC contents of 41.48% and a CAI value of 1. The in-silico cloning and optimization process ensured compatibility with host codon usage, thereby facilitating efficient expression. Computational immune simulation studies underscored the capacity of MEVC to induce both primary and secondary immune responses. The conservation analysis further revealed that the selected epitopes exhibit 100% conservation across different species and thus provides wider protection against Francisella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Syed Shujait Ali
- Centre for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Charbagh, Swat, KP, Pakistan
| | - Asghar Khan
- Saidu Teaching Hospital, Saidu Sharif, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ammar Zahid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fahad M Alshabrmi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasir Waheed
- Near East University, Operational Research Center in Healthcare, TRNC Mersin 10, Nicosia, 99138, Turkey; Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos 1401, Lebanon; MEU Research Unit, Middle East University, Amman, 11831, Jordan
| | - Abdelali Agouni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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Alshabrmi FM, Alatawi EA. Subtractive proteomics-guided vaccine targets identification and designing of multi-epitopes vaccine for immune response instigation against Burkholderia pseudomallei. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132105. [PMID: 38710251 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
In this study, a methodical workflow using subtractive proteomics, vaccine designing, molecular simulation, and agent-based modeling approaches were used to annotate the whole proteome of Burkholderia pseudomallei (strain K96243) for vaccine designing. Among the total 5717 proteins in the whole proteome, 505 were observed to be essential for the pathogen's survival and pathogenesis predicted by the Database of Essential Genes. Among these, 23 vaccine targets were identified, of which fimbrial assembly chaperone (Q63UH5), Outer membrane protein (Q63UH1), and Hemolysin-like protein (Q63UE4) were selected for the subsequent analysis based on the systematic approaches. Using immunoinformatic approaches CTL (cytotoxic T lymphocytes), HTL (helper T lymphocytes), IFN-positive, and B cell epitopes were predicted for these targets. A total of 9 CTL epitopes were added using the GSS linker, 6 HTL epitopes using the GPGPG linker, and 6 B cell epitopes using the KK linker. An adjuvant was added for enhanced antigenicity, an HIV-TAT peptide for improved delivery, and a PADRE sequence was added to form a 466 amino acids long vaccine construct. The construct was classified as non-allergenic, highly antigenic, and experimentally feasible. Molecular docking results validated the robust interaction of MEVC with immune receptors such as TLR2/4. Furthermore, molecular simulation revealed stable dynamics and compact nature of the complexes. The binding free energy results further validated the robust binding. In silico cloning, results revealed GC contents of 50.73 % and a CIA value of 0.978 which shows proper downstream processing. Immune simulation results reported that after the three injections of the vaccine a robust secondary immune response, improved antigen clearance, and effective immune memory generation were observed highlighting its potential for effective and sustained immunity. Future directions should encompass experimental validations, animal model studies, and clinical trials to substantiate the vaccine's efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad M Alshabrmi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Eid A Alatawi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia.
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Natami M, Gorgzadeh A, Gholipour A, Fatemi SN, Firouzeh N, Zokaei M, Mohammed Ali SH, Kheradjoo H, Sedighi S, Gholizadeh O, Kalavi S. An overview on mRNA-based vaccines to prevent monkeypox infection. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:86. [PMID: 38429829 PMCID: PMC10908150 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02355-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The human monkeypox virus (Mpox) is classified as a member of the Poxviridae family and belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. Mpox possesses double-stranded DNA, and there are two known genetic clades: those originating in West Africa and the Congo Basin, commonly known as Central African clades. Mpox may be treated with either the vaccinia vaccination or the therapeutics. Modifying the smallpox vaccine for treating and preventing Mpox has shown to be beneficial because of the strong link between smallpox and Mpox viruses and their categorization in the same family. Cross-protection against Mpox is effective with two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved smallpox vaccines (ACAM2000 and JYNNEOSTM). However, ACAM2000 has the potential for significant adverse effects, such as cardiac issues, whereas JYNNEOS has a lower risk profile. Moreover, Mpox has managed to resurface, although with modified characteristics, due to the discontinuation and cessation of the smallpox vaccine for 40 years. The safety and efficacy of the two leading mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and its many variants have been shown in clinical trials and subsequent data analysis. This first mRNA treatment model involves injecting patients with messenger RNA to produce target proteins and elicit an immunological response. High potency, the possibility of safe administration, low-cost manufacture, and quick development is just a few of the benefits of RNA-based vaccines that pave the way for a viable alternative to conventional vaccines. When protecting against Mpox infection, mRNA vaccines are pretty efficient and may one day replace the present whole-virus vaccines. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide a synopsis of the ongoing research, development, and testing of an mRNA vaccine against Mpox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Natami
- Department of Urology, Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | | | - Arsalan Gholipour
- Free Researchers, Biotechnology and Nanobiotechnology, Babolsar, Iran
| | | | - Nima Firouzeh
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Maryam Zokaei
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition Science, Food Science and Technology/National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | | | | | - Shaylan Kalavi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Hakami MA. An immunoinformatics and structural vaccinology approach to design a novel and potent multi-epitope base vaccine targeting Zika virus. BMC Chem 2024; 18:31. [PMID: 38350946 PMCID: PMC10865692 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-024-01132-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Zika virus is an infectious virus, that belongs to Flaviviridae family, which is transferred to humans through mosquito vectors and severely threatens human health; but, apart from available resources, no effective and secure vaccine is present against Zika virus, to prevent such infections. In current study, we employed structural vaccinology approach to design an epitope-based vaccine against Zika virus, which is biocompatible, and secure and might trigger an adaptive and innate immune response by using computational approaches. We first retrieved the protein sequence from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database and carried out for BLAST P. After BLAST P, predicted protein sequences were shortlisted and checked for allergic features and antigenic properties. Final sequence of Zika virus, with accession number (APO40588.1) was selected based on high antigenic score and non-allergenicity. Final protein sequence used various computational approaches including antigenicity testing, toxicity evaluation, allergenicity, and conservancy assessment to identify superior B-cell and T-cell epitopes. Two B-cell epitopes, five MHC-six MHC-II epitopes and I were used to construct an immunogenic multi-epitope-based vaccine by using suitable linkers. A 50S ribosomal protein was added at N terminal to improve the immunogenicity of vaccine. In molecular docking, strong interactions were presented between constructed vaccine and Toll-like receptor 9 (- 1100.6 kcal/mol), suggesting their possible relevance in the immunological response to vaccine. The molecular dynamics simulations ensure the dynamic and structural stability of constructed vaccine. The results of C-immune simulation revealed that constructed vaccine activate B and T lymphocytes which induce high level of antibodies and cytokines to combat Zika infection. The constructed vaccine is an effective biomarker with non-sensitization, nontoxicity; nonallergic, good immunogenicity, and antigenicity, however, experimental assays are required to verify the results of present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Ageeli Hakami
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Al-Quwayiyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Naveed M, Jabeen K, Aziz T, Mughual MS, Ul-Hassan J, Sheraz M, Rehman HM, Alharbi M, Albekairi TH, Alasmari AF. Whole proteome analysis of MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae to identify mRNA and multiple epitope based vaccine targets against emerging nosocomial and lungs associated infections. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-14. [PMID: 38141172 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2293266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumonia is a Gram negative facultative anaerobic bacterium involved in various community-acquired pneumonia, nosocomial and lungs associated infections. Frequent usage of several antibiotics and acquired resistance mechanisms has made this bacterium multi-drug resistance (MDR), complicating the treatment of patients. To avoid the spread of this bacterium, there is an urgent need to develop a vaccine based on immuno-informatics approaches that is more efficient than conventional method of vaccine prediction or development. Initially, the complete proteomic sequence of K. pneumonia was picked over for specific and prospective vaccine targets. From the annotation of the whole proteome, eight immunogenic proteins were selected, and these shortlisted proteins were interpreted for CTL, B-cells, and HTL epitopes prediction, to construct mRNA and multi-epitope vaccines. The Antigenicity, allergenicity and toxicity analysis validate the vaccine's design, and its molecular docking was done with immuno-receptor the TLR-3. The docking interaction showed a stronger binding affinity with a minimum energy of -1153.2 kcal/mol and established 23 hydrogen bonds, 3 salt bridges, 1 disulfide bond, and 340 non-binding contacts. Further validation was done using In-silico cloning which shows the highest CAI score of 0.98 with higher GC contents of 72.25% which represents a vaccine construct with a high value of expression in E. coli. Immune Simulation shows that the antibodies (IgM, IgG1, and IgG2) production exceeded 650,000 in 2 to 3 days but the response was completely neutralized in the 5th day. In conclusion, the study provides the effective, safe and stable vaccine construct against Klebsiella pneumonia, which further needs in vitro and in vivo validations.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Naveed
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Khizra Jabeen
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Aziz
- Department of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, Arta, Greece
| | - Muhammad Saad Mughual
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Jawad Ul-Hassan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mohsin Sheraz
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Metab Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer H Albekairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Alotaibi BS, Ajmal A, Hakami MA, Mahmood A, Wadood A, Hu J. New drug target identification in Vibrio vulnificus by subtractive genome analysis and their inhibitors through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17650. [PMID: 37449110 PMCID: PMC10336522 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Vibrio vulnificus is a rod shape, Gram-negative bacterium that causes sepsis (with a greater than 50% mortality rate), necrotizing fasciitis, gastroenteritis, skin, and soft tissue infection, wound infection, peritonitis, meningitis, pneumonia, keratitis, and arthritis. Based on pathogenicity V. vulnificus is categorized into three biotypes. Type 1 and type 3 cause diseases in humans while biotype 2 causes diseases in eel and fish. Due to indiscriminate use of antibiotics V. vulnificus has developed resistance to many antibiotics so curing is dramatically a challenge. V. vulnificus is resistant to cefazolin, streptomycin, tetracycline, aztreonam, tobramycin, cefepime, and gentamycin. Subtractive genome analysis is the most effective method for drug target identification. The method is based on the subtraction of homologous proteins from both pathogen and host. By this process set of proteins present only in the pathogen and perform essential functions in the pathogen can be identified. The entire proteome of Vibrio vulnificus strain ATCC 27562 was reduced step by step to a single protein predicted as the drug target. AlphaFold2 is one of the applications of deep learning algorithms in biomedicine and is correctly considered the game changer in the field of structural biology. Accuracy and speed are the major strength of AlphaFold2. In the PDB database, the crystal structure of the predicted drug target was not present, therefore the Colab notebook was used to predict the 3D structure by the AlphaFold2, and subsequently, the predicted model was validated. Potent inhibitors against the new target were predicted by virtual screening and molecular docking study. The most stable compound ZINC01318774 tightly attaches to the binding pocket of bisphosphoglycerate-independent phosphoglycerate mutase. The time-dependent molecular dynamics simulation revealed compound ZINC01318774 was superior as compared to the standard drug tetracycline in terms of stability. The availability of V. vulnificus strain ATCC 27562 has allowed in silico identification of drug target which will provide a base for the discovery of specific therapeutic targets against Vibrio vulnificus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bader S. Alotaibi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Quwayiyah, Shaqra Univesity, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amar Ajmal
- Department of Biochemistry, Computational Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, UCSS, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Mohammed Ageeli Hakami
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Quwayiyah, Shaqra Univesity, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arif Mahmood
- Center for Medical Genetics and Human Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Abdul Wadood
- Department of Biochemistry, Computational Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, UCSS, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Junjian Hu
- Department of Central Laboratory, SSL, Central Hospital of Gongguan City, Affiliated Dongguan Shilong People's Hospital of Southern Medical University, Dongguan, China
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Fahira A, Amin RS, Arshad U, Khan MI, Shah Syed AA, Alshammari A, Yang Q, Wang Z, Ali L, Shi Y. Chimeric vaccine design against the epidemic Langya Henipavirus using immunoinformatics and validation via immune simulation approaches. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17376. [PMID: 37484358 PMCID: PMC10361368 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In July 2022, a new virus called Langya virus (LayV) was discovered in China in patients who had a fever. This virus is a type of Henipavirus (HNV) and is considered a potential threat as it could spread from animals to humans. It causes respiratory disease with symptoms including fever, coughing, and fatigue and is closely linked to two other henipaviruses that are known to infect humans, namely Hendra and Nipah viruses. These viruses may cause fatal respiratory illnesses. Investigators believe that the LayV is spread by shrews, and may have infected humans directly or via an intermediary species. Thus, the use of vaccines or immunizations against LayV is an alternate strategy for disease prevention. In this study, we employed various immunoinformatics methods to predict B cell, HTL and T cell epitopes from the LayV proteome in order to find the most promising candidate for a LayV vaccine. The most potent epitopes that are immunogenic and non-allergenic were joined with each other through suitable linkers. Human β-defensin 2 was employed as an adjuvant to increase the immunogenicity of the vaccine construct. The final sequence of a multi-epitope vaccine construct was modelled for docking with TLRs. Concisely, our results suggest that the docked complexes of vaccine-TLRs seemed to be stable. Additionally, in silico cloning was done using E. coli as the host in order to validate the expression of our designed vaccine construct. The GC content of 54.39% and CAI value of 0.94 revealed that the vaccine component expresses efficiently in the host. This study presents the novel vaccine construct for LayV which will be essential for further experimental validations to confirm the immunogenicity and safety of the proposed vaccine structure, and eventually to treat HNV-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamir Fahira
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Centre for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, The Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | | | - Uzma Arshad
- Gujranwala Medical College, Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Idrees Khan
- School of Sensing Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ali Alamdar Shah Syed
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Centre for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Abdulrahman Alshammari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Qiangzhen Yang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Centre for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Centre for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, The Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Liaqat Ali
- Fisch College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Yongyong Shi
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Centre for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, The Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
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Sanami S, Nazarian S, Ahmad S, Raeisi E, Tahir Ul Qamar M, Tahmasebian S, Pazoki-Toroudi H, Fazeli M, Ghatreh Samani M. In silico design and immunoinformatics analysis of a universal multi-epitope vaccine against monkeypox virus. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286224. [PMID: 37220125 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreaks have been reported in various countries worldwide; however, there is no specific vaccine against MPXV. In this study, therefore, we employed computational approaches to design a multi-epitope vaccine against MPXV. Initially, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), helper T lymphocyte (HTL), linear B lymphocytes (LBL) epitopes were predicted from the cell surface-binding protein and envelope protein A28 homolog, both of which play essential roles in MPXV pathogenesis. All of the predicted epitopes were evaluated using key parameters. A total of 7 CTL, 4 HTL, and 5 LBL epitopes were chosen and combined with appropriate linkers and adjuvant to construct a multi-epitope vaccine. The CTL and HTL epitopes of the vaccine construct cover 95.57% of the worldwide population. The designed vaccine construct was found to be highly antigenic, non-allergenic, soluble, and to have acceptable physicochemical properties. The 3D structure of the vaccine and its potential interaction with Toll-Like receptor-4 (TLR4) were predicted. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation confirmed the vaccine's high stability in complex with TLR4. Finally, codon adaptation and in silico cloning confirmed the high expression rate of the vaccine constructs in strain K12 of Escherichia coli (E. coli). These findings are very encouraging; however, in vitro and animal studies are needed to ensure the potency and safety of this vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Sanami
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Shahin Nazarian
- Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Department of Health and Biological Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Elham Raeisi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Muhammad Tahir Ul Qamar
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Shahram Tahmasebian
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Pazoki-Toroudi
- Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Fazeli
- WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Rabies, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Ghatreh Samani
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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Saadh MJ, Ghadimkhani T, Soltani N, Abbassioun A, Daniel Cosme Pecho R, Taha A, Jwad Kazem T, Yasamineh S, Gholizadeh O. Progress and prospects on vaccine development against Monkeypox Infection. Microb Pathog 2023; 180:106156. [PMID: 37201635 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The monkeypox virus (MPOX) is an uncommon zoonotic illness brought on by an orthopoxvirus (OPXV). MPOX can occur with symptoms similar to smallpox. Since April 25, 2023, 110 nations have reported 87,113 confirmed cases and 111 fatalities. Moreover, the outspread prevalence of MPOX in Africa and a current outbreak of MPOX in the U.S. have made it clear that naturally occurring zoonotic OPXV infections remain a public health concern. Existing vaccines, though they provide cross-protection to MPOX, are not specific for the causative virus, and their effectiveness in the light of the current multi-country outbreak is still to be verified. Furthermore, as a sequel of the eradication and cessation of smallpox vaccination for four decades, MPOX found a possibility to re-emerge, but with distinct characteristics. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggested that nations use affordable MPOX vaccines within a framework of coordinated clinical effectiveness and safety evaluations. Vaccines administered in the smallpox control program and conferred immunity against MPOX. Currently, vaccines approved by WHO for use against MPOX are replicating (ACAM2000), low replicating (LC16m8), and non-replicating (MVA-BN). Although vaccines are accessible, investigations have demonstrated that smallpox vaccination is approximately 85% efficient in inhibiting MPOX. In addition, developing new vaccine methods against MPOX can help prevent this infection. To recognize the most efficient vaccine, it is essential to assess effects, including reactogenicity, safety, cytotoxicity effect, and vaccine-associated side effects, especially for high-risk and vulnerable people. Recently, several orthopoxvirus vaccines have been produced and are being evaluated. Hence, this review aims to provide an overview of the efforts dedicated to several types of vaccine candidates with different strategies for MPOX, including inactivated, live-attenuated, virus-like particles (VLPs), recombinant protein, nucleic acid, and nanoparticle-based vaccines, which are being developed and launched.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed J Saadh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman, 11831, Jordan; Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Narges Soltani
- School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arian Abbassioun
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ali Taha
- Medical Technical College, Al-Farahidi University, Iraq
| | - Tareq Jwad Kazem
- Scientific Affairs Department, Al-Mustaqbal University, 51001, Hillah, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Saman Yasamineh
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Omid Gholizadeh
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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