Designing of a multi-epitopes based vaccine against rubella virus using bioinformatics and immunoinformatics approach

Abstract

Rubella, commonly referred to as German measles, is a contagious illness induced by the Rubella virus. It typically manifests with symptoms that include a low-grade fever, sore throat, lymphadenopathy, and rashes on the body. It transmits through close interaction with infected individuals or through respiratory droplet contact, and if the infection happens during pregnancy, it can result in congenital rubella syndrome. The outbreak of measles can cause severe complications, particularly in young, malnourished children, and can result in death. Approximately 60 % of women in their childbearing years are globally susceptible to rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome. Therefore, immunization against this virus is required to lower its fatality rate. Our modern research concentrates on the development and formation of a multi-epitope vaccine focused on structural polyprotein using immunoinformatics techniques. Specific selection parameters were utilized to screen possible CTL, B-cell, and T-cell epitopes from the selected protein of the rubella virus. Subsequently, we put together the selected epitopes by joining them with the proper linkers and adjuvant. The multiple epitope vaccine construct was examined in terms of physicochemical parameters, antigenicity, allergenicity, and immunogenicity. The immunological simulation analysis of the vaccine construct also showed remarkable outcomes. Furthermore, the vaccine construct's molecular dynamic (MD) simulation and protein-protein docking analysis revealed a greater affinity for TLR-3 (Toll-like receptor-3). The process of in silico cloning showed maximum levels of protein expression in the host Escherichia coli (E. coli). These steps collectively contribute to the assessment and verification of the final vaccine construct’s efficacy. Surprisingly, our results suggest the vaccine construct governs potential immune responses against rubella infection.

Keywords

• Congenital Rubella syndrome
• Structural polyprotein
• Molecular docking
• MD simulation
• Immune simulation
• In silico cloning