Back to Search Start Over

Identification of SARS-CoV-2 CTL epitopes for development of a multivalent subunit vaccine for COVID-19.

Identification of SARS-CoV-2 CTL epitopes for development of a multivalent subunit vaccine for COVID-19.

Authors :
Rencilin CF
Rosy JC
Mohan M
Coico R
Sundar K
Source :
Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases [Infect Genet Evol] 2021 Apr; Vol. 89, pp. 104712. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Jan 07.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

An immunoinformatics-based approach was used to identify potential multivalent subunit CTL vaccine candidates for SARS-CoV-2. Criteria for computational screening included antigen processing, antigenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity. A total of 2604 epitopes were found to be strong binders to MHC class I molecules when analyzed using IEDB tools. Further testing for antigen processing yielded 826 peptides of which 451 were 9-mers that were analyzed for potential antigenicity. Antigenic properties were predicted for 102 of the 451 peptides. Further assessment for potential allergenicity and toxicity narrowed the number of candidate CTL epitopes to 50 peptide sequences, 45 of which were present in all strains of SARS-CoV-2 that were tested. The predicted CTL epitopes were then tested to eliminate those with MHC class II binding potential, a property that could induce hyperinflammatory responses mediated by T <subscript>H</subscript> 2 cells in immunized hosts. Eighteen of the 50 epitopes did not show class II binding potential. To our knowledge this is the first comprehensive analysis on the proteome of SARS-CoV-2 for prediction of CTL epitopes lacking binding properties that could stimulate unwanted T <subscript>H</subscript> 2 responses. Future studies will be needed to assess these epitopes as multivalent subunit vaccine candidates which stimulate protective CTL responses against SARS-COV-2.<br /> (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1567-7257
Volume :
89
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
33422682
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104712