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Development of a multi-epitope vaccine candidate targeting conserved regions of human metapneumovirus
Dharmendrasinh F Rao1, Saumya K Patel1, Himanshu A Pandya1
1Department of Botany, Bioinformatics and Climate Change Impacts Management, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009 India.
Abstract:
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a globally distributed respiratory virus that can infect individuals of all ages. Infections can lead to severe respiratory illnesses, particularly in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Due to the genetic variability of HMPV and the absence of a vaccine, there is an urgent need for effective vaccine development. This study employed in silico immunoinformatics approaches to design a multi-epitope vaccine targeting the conserved regions fusion glycoprotein (F) of HMPV. A total of 18 highly conserved, antigenic, non-toxic, and non-allergenic epitopes were identified, including 5 B-cell epitopes, 8 cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes, and 5 helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes. These epitopes were linked using appropriate linkers, and an adjuvant was incorporated to enhance immunogenicity. Computational analyses predicted the vaccine construct to be antigenic, non-allergenic, and non-toxic. Molecular docking studies with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) demonstrated a strong binding affinity, with a binding energy of - 112.7 ± 9.7 kcal/mol and a Z-score of - 2.5. Molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the stability of the vaccine-TLR4 complex. Immune simulation analysis predicted robust immune responses, including elevated levels of IgM, IgG1, IgG2, and combined IgG + IgM. Finally, in silico codon optimization and cloning analysis indicated that the vaccine construct could be efficiently expressed in E. coli. These findings support the potential of the proposed multi-epitope vaccine as a candidate for HMPV prevention; however, experimental in vitro and in vivo studies are required to validate its immunogenicity, safety, and efficacy.
Supplementary Information:
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13337-025-00932-y.
Insights
This study designed a novel multi-epitope vaccine for Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) using immunoinformatics. Computational analysis suggests it could be a promising candidate for HMPV prevention.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Computational Biology
- Vaccine Design
Background:
- Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a significant global respiratory pathogen causing severe illness in vulnerable populations.
- The genetic diversity of HMPV and lack of a vaccine necessitate novel prevention strategies.
- Targeting conserved regions of the HMPV fusion glycoprotein (F) is crucial for broad-spectrum vaccine development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and computationally evaluate a multi-epitope vaccine against HMPV using in silico immunoinformatics.
- To identify and assemble conserved, immunogenic, and safe epitopes from the HMPV fusion glycoprotein.
- To predict the immunogenicity, stability, and expression potential of the designed vaccine construct.
Main Methods:
- In silico immunoinformatics approaches were used to identify B-cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), and helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes.
- Epitopes were selected based on conservation, antigenicity, non-toxicity, and non-allergenicity.
- Computational tools were employed for vaccine construct design, molecular docking (TLR4), molecular dynamics simulations, immune simulations, and expression analysis (E. coli).
Main Results:
- A total of 18 conserved epitopes (5 B-cell, 8 CTL, 5 HTL) were identified and assembled into a multi-epitope construct with an adjuvant.
- Computational analyses predicted the vaccine to be antigenic, non-allergenic, and non-toxic.
- Strong binding affinity to TLR4, stable complex formation, robust predicted immune responses (IgM, IgG1, IgG2), and efficient expression in E. coli were observed.
Conclusions:
- The in silico designed multi-epitope vaccine shows significant potential as a candidate for HMPV prevention.
- The computational predictions support the vaccine's immunogenicity, stability, and expressibility.
- Experimental validation through in vitro and in vivo studies is essential to confirm efficacy and safety.
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