Multi-epitope vaccine against cystic echinococcosis using immunodominant epitopes from EgA31 and EgG1Y162 antigens

Abstract

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a near-cosmopolitan public health concern, especially in developing countries. Parasite ova shed via definitive host feces are responsible for livestock and occasionally human infection, leading to hydatid cysts. Immunization using proper antigens is a good immunoprophylactic strategy. This study was aimed to design a multi-epitope vaccine using EgA31 and EgG1Y162 antigens. Top high-ranked B-cell epitopes and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-binding epitopes were predicted and selected to construct the vaccine model. Then, physico-chemical features, secondary and tertiary structures, refinement and validations were all evaluated using web servers for the multi-epitope vaccine construct. Finally, non-linear B-cell epitopes were determined for vaccine-antibody interactions. Moreover, the vaccine construct was subjected to disulfide engineering, molecular docking with human MHC-I and MHC-II molecules as well as codon adaptation and in silico cloning processes. In conclusion, this multimeric CE vaccine needs experimental and clinical confirmations to be considered as an actually immunogenic vaccine model. © 2020