Prediction of Epitope-Based Peptide Vaccine Against the Chikungunya Virus by Immuno-informatics Approach

Background: Chikungunya is an arthropod-borne viral disease characterized by abrupt onset of fever frequently accompanied by joint pain, which has been identified in over 60 countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Methods: Regardless of the availability of molecular knowledge of this virus, no definite vaccine or other remedial agents have been developed yet. In the present study, a combination of B-cell and T-cell epitope predictions, followed by molecular docking simulation approach has been carried out to design a potential epitope-based peptide vaccine, which can trigger a critical immune response against the viral infections. Results: A total of 52 sequences of E1 glycoprotein from the previously reported isolates of Chikungunya outbreaks were retrieved and examined through in silico methods to identify a potential B-cell and T-cell epitope. From the two separate epitope prediction servers, five potential B-cell epitopes were selected, among them “NTQLSEAHVEKS” was found highly conserved across strains and manifests high antigenicity with surface accessibility, flexibility, and hydrophilicity. Similarly, two highly conserved, non-allergenic, non-cytotoxic putative T-cell epitopes having maximum population coverage were screened to bind with the HLA-C 12*03 molecule. Molecular docking simulation revealed potential T-cell based epitope “KTEFASAYR” as a vaccine candidate for this virus. Conclusion: A combination of these B-cell and T-cell epitope-based vaccine can open up a new skyline with broader therapeutic application against Chikungunya virus with further experimental and clinical investigation.