From Enzyme to Vaccine: Preliminary Insights into the Immunogenic Epitopes in Adenylate Kinase 8 (ADK8) of Echinococcus granulosus

Abstract

Background: Globally, developing livestock countries are affected by Cystic Echinococcosis (CE), a neglected zoonosis. Thus, vaccination would help to prevent this neglected zoonosis. Objective: This study aimed to predict the primary biochemical characteristics of E. granulosus Adenylate Kinase 8 (ADK8) and its potential B- and T-cell-binding epitopes as a candidate for vaccination. Methods: Prediction were conducted on multiple web servers to identify immunogenic epitopes as well as biochemical, antigenic, structural, and subcellular properties. Results: The extracellular 38.78 KDa protein possessed no allergenic fragments, while it showed hydrophilicity (GRAVY: -0.239), wide thermotolerance (aliphatic: 98.02), and 36 post-translational modification sites. The secondary structure mostly included helices and random coils, and the best-generated 3D model by the Robetta server had a confidence score of 0.79. Three servers identified common B-cell epitopes and evaluated them for solubility, allergenicity, and antigenic properties. Furthermore, following the screening, MHC-associated epitopes for humans and mice were predicted in the E. granulosus ADK8. Conclusion: These results provide a basis for future research into the development of a proper vaccine against CE. Additional empirical studies using the protein and/or its epitopes alone or in combination with additional antigens are demanded.