Objective: To predict the B cell epitopes of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) of human-infected avian influenza A H7N9 virus by bioinformatics software.
Methods: The B cell epitopes of HA and NA proteins were predicted comprehensively by bioinformatics software such as Protean, PORTER, MEGA based on the amino acid sequences of HA and NA, and further screened by Wu Yuzhang's average antigen index strategies.
Results: The most possible epitopes of HA were located on its N-terminal No. 53-57, 179-183. The N-terminal No. 62-66, 98-101, 164-166, 315-320, 424-426, 443-445, 493-496 might have the B cell epitopes of HA protein. The most possible epitopes of NA were located on its N-terminal No. 321-329, 379-386. There were possible B cell epitopes located on the N-terminal No. 46-48, 52-54, 74-78, 136-141, 145-150, 160-164, 194-197, 246-248, 333-343, 426-431.
Conclusion: The prediction of B cell epitopes of HA and NA proteins with multiple methods benefits the research and development of B cell epitope vaccine against human infection with avian influenza A H7N9 virus.