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Development of a novel multi-epitope vaccine against triple-negative breast cancer targeting A-kinase anchoring
Zahrotun Nafiah1, Navista Sri Octa Ujiantari2, Badra Sanditya Rattyananda3
1Laboratory of Macromolecular Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada Sekip Utara II, 55281, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Abstract:
A-Kinase Anchoring Protein 3 (AKAP3), a Cancer-Testis Antigen (CTA), is involved in cell proliferation and is aberrantly expressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), making it a promising target for immunotherapy. This study aimed to design a novel multi-epitope vaccine targeting AKAP3 using immunoinformatics approaches. Predicted CTL, HTL, and B-cell epitopes were selected based on their immunogenicity, antigenicity, non-allergenicity, and non-toxicity. The final construct integrated three epitopes from each category, connected by appropriate linkers (EAAAK, AAY, GPGPG, KK) and adjuvanted with the 50S ribosomal protein L7/L12 to enhance the immune response. Population coverage analysis indicated high accessibility, with 99.28 % in Indonesia, 99.4 % in Southeast Asia, and 100 % globally. Structural modeling and validation confirmed the vaccine's stability and immunogenic profile. Molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinity to TLR-4 (-839.8 kcal/mol), supported by stable interactions in molecular dynamics simulations. Immune simulations further predicted the robust activation of both cellular and humoral immunity. In silico cloning confirmed compatibility with the pET28a(+) expression system for potential recombinant production. Collectively, these findings support the designed vaccine as a promising candidate for TNBC immunotherapy, warranting further in vitro and in vivo evaluation.
Insights
This study designed a novel multi-epitope vaccine targeting A-Kinase Anchoring Protein 3 (AKAP3) for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) immunotherapy. Immunoinformatics predicted a stable, potent vaccine with high global population coverage, showing promise for TNBC treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Bioinformatics
- Oncology
Background:
- A-Kinase Anchoring Protein 3 (AKAP3) is a Cancer-Testis Antigen (CTA) implicated in cell proliferation.
- Aberrant AKAP3 expression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents it as a potential immunotherapy target.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a novel multi-epitope vaccine targeting AKAP3 using immunoinformatics.
- To evaluate the vaccine construct's immunogenicity, stability, and potential efficacy for TNBC immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Selection of T-cell (CTL, HTL) and B-cell epitopes based on immunogenicity, antigenicity, and safety profiles.
- Construction of a multi-epitope vaccine with linkers and an adjuvant (50S ribosomal protein L7/L12).
- In silico analysis including population coverage, structural modeling, molecular docking (TLR-4), molecular dynamics, immune simulation, and in silico cloning (pET28a+).
Main Results:
- The designed vaccine construct demonstrated high immunogenicity, stability, and strong binding affinity to TLR-4.
- In silico simulations predicted robust cellular and humoral immune responses and high global population coverage (up to 100%).
- The vaccine construct showed compatibility with the pET28a(+) expression system for potential recombinant production.
Conclusions:
- The designed AKAP3-targeting multi-epitope vaccine is a promising candidate for TNBC immunotherapy.
- Further in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted to validate the vaccine's efficacy and safety.
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