โก Quick Summary
This study presents a novel pan-H5N1 multiepitope DNA vaccine designed to protect birds against the clade 2.3.4.4b strain of H5N1, utilizing AI-assisted epitope mapping and molecular docking. The vaccine shows promising potential to stimulate a robust immune response in chickens and other birds.
๐ Key Details
- ๐ฆ Target Virus: H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b
- ๐ป Technology Used: AI tools for epitope mapping and molecular docking
- ๐ฌ Vaccine Components: 12 top-ranked B and T cell epitopes linked with IL-18 as an adjuvant
- ๐ Binding Affinity: High binding affinity with chicken MHC I and MHC II alleles
๐ Key Takeaways
- ๐ Universal Vaccine: Aims to provide broad protection against HPAI-H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b.
- ๐ก AI Utilization: AI-assisted methods enhance the design of effective vaccines.
- ๐งฌ Molecular Cloning: Successful cloning of a recombinant multiepitope-based vaccine.
- ๐ฆ Immune Response: Potential to stimulate both antibody and cell-mediated immunity.
- ๐ Target Species: Primarily designed for chickens but may benefit other birds and animals.
- ๐ Further Research: Additional studies needed to validate the vaccine in chickens.
๐ Background
The H5N1 influenza virus poses a significant threat to avian populations and can also affect humans. Current vaccines have shown limited efficacy against circulating strains, necessitating the development of more effective solutions. The integration of artificial intelligence in vaccine design represents a promising frontier in combating this virus.
๐๏ธ Study
This research focused on creating a multiepitope DNA vaccine targeting key proteins of the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strain. By employing AI tools for epitope mapping and molecular docking, the study identified and linked the top 12 epitopes from four major proteins: HA, NA, NP, and M2. The vaccine was designed to enhance the immune response in chickens, with IL-18 included as an adjuvant to boost efficacy.
๐ Results
The molecular docking analysis revealed a high binding affinity of the predicted epitopes with chicken MHC I and MHC II alleles, indicating a strong potential for immune recognition. Furthermore, immune simulation results suggested that the vaccine could effectively stimulate both antibody production and cell-mediated immunity in the target species.
๐ Impact and Implications
The development of this vaccine could significantly enhance the protection of birds against the H5N1 virus, potentially reducing the risk of transmission to humans. By leveraging AI in vaccine design, this study paves the way for future innovations in veterinary and human medicine, highlighting the importance of advanced technologies in addressing public health challenges.
๐ฎ Conclusion
This study underscores the transformative potential of AI in vaccine development, particularly for combating the H5N1 influenza virus. The promising results from the multiepitope DNA vaccine suggest a viable path forward in protecting avian populations and possibly other species. Continued research and validation are essential to bring this innovative vaccine to fruition.
๐ฌ Your comments
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A Pan-H5N1 Multiepitope DNA Vaccine Construct Targeting Some Key Proteins of the Clade 2.3.4.4b Using AI-Assisted Epitope Mapping and Molecular Docking.
Abstract
The presently used vaccines do not offer solid immunity/protection against the currently circulating strains of the H5N1 viruses. We aim to design a pan-H5N1 vaccine that protects birds against the presently circulating clade 2.3.4.4b in chickens. We used AI tools, including epitope mapping, molecular docking, and immune simulation, to design a multiepitope DNA vaccine including the top-ranked B and T cell epitopes within four major proteins (HA, NA, NP, and M2) of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b. We selected the top-ranked 12 epitopes and linked them together using linkers. The designed vaccine is linked to IL-18 as an adjuvant. The molecular docking results showed a high binding affinity of those predicted epitopes from the MHC I and MHC II classes of molecules with chicken alleles. The immune simulation results showed that the designed vaccine has the potential to stimulate the host immune response, including antibody and cell-mediated immunity in chickens and other birds. We believe this vaccine is going to be a universal vaccine that offers good protection against HPAI-H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b. We are reporting the successful molecular cloning of a recombinant multiepitope-based vaccine spanning some key epitopes within some key proteins of the currently circulating H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b. These designed vaccines could be a great positive impact on the protection of birds and various species of animals, as well as humans, against the HP-H5N1 influenza virus. Further studies are required to validate this vaccine candidate in chickens.
Author: [‘Duraisamy N’, ‘Shah AU’, ‘Khan MY’, ‘Cherkaoui M’, ‘Hemida MG’]
Journal: Viruses
Citation: Duraisamy N, et al. A Pan-H5N1 Multiepitope DNA Vaccine Construct Targeting Some Key Proteins of the Clade 2.3.4.4b Using AI-Assisted Epitope Mapping and Molecular Docking. A Pan-H5N1 Multiepitope DNA Vaccine Construct Targeting Some Key Proteins of the Clade 2.3.4.4b Using AI-Assisted Epitope Mapping and Molecular Docking. 2025; 17:(unknown pages). doi: 10.3390/v17091152