Brucellosis novel multi-epitope vaccine design based on in silico analysis focusing on Brucella abortus

Brucella is a common kind of bacteria that has the ability to live within cells and may cause diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans. Current medical therapy struggles to effectively eradicate Brucella. Thus, it is necessary to develop a multi-epitope vaccine (MEV) in order to effectively prevent Brucella infection. To achieve this objective, we used the reverse vaccinology methodology based on omp19 and Bacterial surface antigen (D15). After conducting our research, we successfully identified 2 cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes, 2 helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes, and 2 linear B cell epitopes from Omp19 and Bacterial surface antigen (D15). These epitopes will be further examined in our study. In order to maintain the proper folding of the protein, we connected GGGS and EAAAK consecutively. Adjuvants are added to the N-terminal of the vaccine peptide to boost its immunogenicity. In order to assess the immunity, stability, protection, and practicality of the final MEV, a construct consisting of 387 amino acids was created by connecting linkers and adjuvants. Furthermore, molecular docking and simulations using molecular dynamics were conducted to confirm the binding strength and durability of the MEV-TLR5. Subsequently, codon adaptation and in silico cloning analyses were conducted to determine the potential codons for expressing the MEV. The findings indicated that the MEV exhibited a significant level of immunogenicity. This work has collectively established a theoretical foundation for the development of a vaccine against Brucella.