Epitope identification of rabies virus nucleoprotein using immunoinformatics approach

Authors

Kavitha G. Manjunatha, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research (NUCSER), Paneer Campus, Deralakatte, Mangalore-575018, IndiaFollow
Chandrahasa Chethana, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research (NUCSER), Paneer Campus, Deralakatte, Mangalore-575018, IndiaFollow
Akhila D. Sannejal, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research (NUCSER), Paneer Campus, Deralakatte, Mangalore-575018, IndiaFollow
Mohammad Shueb, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka-570004, IndiaFollow
Devananda Devegowda, Department of Biochemistry, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka-570004, IndiaFollow
Shashanka K. Prasad, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka-570004, India; Plant Bioactive Compound Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai-50100, ThailandFollow
Deepak S. Pinto, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research (NUCSER), Paneer Campus, Deralakatte, Mangalore-575018, IndiaFollow
Shrikrishna Isloor, Department of Veterinary microbiology, Veterinary college, Hebbal, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560024, IndiaFollow

Abstract

Abstract

Background

Rabies is a deadly and preventable disease. The nucleoprotein of rabies virus has been found to have group-specific antigenic determinants. The rabies virus nucleoprotein can shield dogs and mice from the lethal infection. Early diagnosis of rabies is crucial for the prevention of rabies.

Methods

In this study, B-cell epitopes of the nucleoprotein gene of the rabies virus were identified, and the characteristics of the epitopes were analyzed using various bioinformatics tools, such as the immune epitope database's Bepipred Major Histocompatibility Complex II (IEDB MHC II) prediction tool, NetCTL 1.2, Vaxijen v20, AllerTOP v2.0 server.

Results

Fourteen epitopes were predicted in the nucleoprotein sequence of the rabies virus. We observed that B-cell epitopes have a high affinity for binding to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II. Notably, the selected strain's conserved region yielded a total of thirty weak binders and eight strong binders, all exhibiting a binding affinity with allele H-2-IAb. The study also ventured into antigenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity predictions. Three of the ten peptides were identified as potential allergens, while the remaining seven were classified as non-allergens. Interestingly, none of the peptides were found to be toxic.

Conclusion

B cells are a critical component of adaptive immunity, producing neutralizing antibodies, and are crucial in blocking viral entry and attachment. Henceforth, epitopes identified in this study can be utilized to produce monoclonal antibodies or vaccines for therapeutic purposes. The discovered epitope is a functional potential repertoire for developing serodiagnostic tests and epitope-based peptide vaccines.

Recommended Citation

Manjunatha, Kavitha G.; Chethana, Chandrahasa; Sannejal, Akhila D.; Shueb, Mohammad; Devegowda, Devananda; Prasad, Shashanka K.; Pinto, Deepak S.; and Isloor, Shrikrishna () "Epitope identification of rabies virus nucleoprotein using immunoinformatics approach," International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences: Vol. 13: Iss. 1, Article 3.
DOI: 10.55691/2278-344X.1086
Available at: https://rescon.jssuni.edu.in/ijhas/vol13/iss1/3