In silico multi-epitope Bunyumwera virus vaccine to target virus nucleocapsid N protein

Abstract

Abstract Background Bunyumwera virus can cause 82% mortality in humans currently with no vaccine or drugs for treatment. We described an in silico multi-epitope vaccine targeting Bunyumwera virus nucleocapsid N-protein and predicted B and T cell epitopes for immunogenicity, allergenicity, toxicity, and conservancy. For creating the most potent immunological response possible, docking epitopes with HLA alleles are chosen to screen them. The 3D vaccination was docked with the Toll-like receptor-8 using molecular dynamic simulations. To ensure production efficiency, the vaccine sequence was further cloned in silico in a plasmid pIB2 vector. For efficacy and safety, results must be supported in vitro and in vivo. Results The vaccine was cloned to enable expression and translation in a plasmid vector pIB2. It was expected to be antigenic, non-allergenic, and have a high binding affinity with TLR-8 in silico cloning. This multi-epitope vaccination may stimulate both innate and adaptive immunity. Conclusion The vaccine developed in this work was based on the nucleocapsid N-protein of the Bunyumwera virus and was created using a reverse vaccinology method. Further experimental validation is required to assess the vaccine’s therapeutic effectiveness and immunogenicity.