Epitope-Analyzer: A structure-based webtool to analyze broadly neutralizing epitopes

The antigenic epitope regions of pathogens (e.g., viruses) are recognized by antibodies (Abs) and subsequently cleared by the host immune system, thereby protecting us from disease. Some of these epitopes are conserved among different variants or subgroups of pathogens (e.g., Influenza (FLU) viruses, Coronaviruses), hence can be targeted for potential broad-neutralization. Here we report a web-based tool, Epitope Analyzer (EA), that rapidly identifies conformational epitope and paratope residues in an antigen-antibody complex structure. Furthermore, the tool provides the ways and means to analyze broadly neutralizing epitopes by comparing the equivalent epitope residues in similar antigen structures. The similarity in the epitope residues between (multiple) pairs of similar antigen molecules suggest the presence of conserved epitopes that can be targeted by broadly neutralizing antibodies. These details can be used as a guide in developing effective treatments, such as the design of novel vaccines and formulation of cocktail of broadly neutralizing antibodies, against multiple variants or subgroups of viruses. The web application can be freely accessed from the URL, http://viperdb.scripps.edu/ea.php.