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.
Chikungunya Virus Inhibitor Study based on Molecular Docking Experiments