Immunoinformatics design of B and T-cell epitope-based SARS-CoV-2 peptide vaccination

Abstract

SARS-COV-2 is a virulent respiratory virus, first identified in China (Wuhan) at the end of 2019. Scientists and researchers are trying to find any possible solution to this deadly viral disease. Different drug source agents have been identified, including western medicine, natural products, and traditional Chinese medicine. They have the potential to counteract COVID-19. This virus immediately affects the liver and causes a decrease in oxygen levels. In this study, multiple vacciome approaches were employed for designing a multi-epitope subunit vaccine for battling against SARS-COV-2. Vaccine designing, immunogenicity, allergenic, and physico-chemical assessment were performed by using the vacciome approach. The vaccine design is likely to be antigenic and produce potent interactions with ACE2 and NSP3 receptors. The developed vaccine has also been given to in-silico cloning models and immune response predictions. A total number of 12 CTL and 12 HTL antigenic epitopes were predicted from three selected covid-19 virulent proteins (spike protein, nucleocapsid protein, and membrane proteins, respectively) based on C-terminal cleavage and MHC binding scores. These predicted epitopes were amalgamated by AYY and GPGPG linkers, and a β-defensins adjuvant was inserted into the N-terminus of this vaccine. This analysis shows that the recommended vaccine can produce immune responses against SARS-COV-2. Designing and developing of the mentioned vaccine will require further experimental validation.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; docking; vaccine designing; vacciome.