Computational identification of monkeypox virus epitopes to generate a novel vaccine antigen against Mpox

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) belonging to poxviridae family causes chronic viral disease in various mammals including human and monkeys. Conventional vaccines developed against smallpox of poxviridae, are not specific against Mpox. Also, they can cause various side effects after vaccination. In this study, we aimed to analyze the A17L, A28L, A37R, A43R, E8L, H3L, B6R, and M1R structural proteins of MPXV and identify epitopes in them which can be used to generate vaccine antigens. Among the proteins analyzed, the M1R protein was predicted to be more appropriate for use in vaccine research due to its high antigenicity value and other physicochemical features. Also, A17L, B6R and E8L had high antigenicity values. E8L protein was more conserved while the A37R, A43R, and B6R proteins had signal peptides. Although a total of eight B cell epitopes were predicted in all proteins analyzed, CNGETK epitope belonging to B6R protein had the highest antigenicity value (1.7083), as well as was non-allergenic, non-toxic, and soluble. Based on T cell epitope analyses performed on all proteins, fourteen MHC-I/II epitopes were predicted that are antigenic, non-allergenic and non-toxic, as well as soluble. Among them, MHC-I related-HEIYDRNVGF epitope in A28L protein had the highest antigenicity value (1.6650) and MHC-II related-IGNIKIVQIDIRDIK epitope in A37R protein had the highest antigenicity value (2.0280). In conclusion, eight structural proteins of MPXV were successfully analyzed and 22 important epitopes were identified that could serve as vaccine antigens or in serological studies to develop diagnostic tools.