In Silico Design of a Poly-epitope Vaccine for Urinary Tract Infection Based on Conserved Antigens by Modern Vaccinology

Immunoinformatics or vaccine informatics focuses on applying computational approaches to advance vaccine research and development (R&D). It is also considered as an emerging field of research capable of improving immunization programs. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are induced by exogenous organisms, including Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, and extra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC), which are closely related strains. Bacterial colonization in the urinary tract causes UTI. The purpose of this study was to design the cross-reactive epitope vaccine for stimulating the immune system (CD8 + and CD4 + T cells) against ExPEC, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Proteus mirabilis. In this study, protective vaccine antigens from the genome of ExPEC were used. Immunological predictions based on informatics were performed using available data to design vaccine candidates for inducing potentially cross-protective T-cells against UTI pathogens. Two vaccine candidates, comprising highly conserved and experimentally verified immunogenic epitopes, were designed. Epitope prediction and selection were performed for nine candidate proteins. The particular fusion of proper linkers, carriers, and epitopes was done, and constructs were designed. Physicochemical characteristics assessment of solubility, allergenicity, and antigenicity; reverse translation and codon optimization; second and third structure predictions were utilized for both vaccine candidates. Finally, the designed constructs with particular conserved epitopes with linkers and carriers were structurally approved. These vaccine candidates could be used as a broad immune system inducer, and its cross-protective immunity in UTI would confirm in the future.

Automated summary

Immunoinformatics or vaccine informatics focuses on applying computational approaches to advance vaccine research and development. This study aimed to design a cross-reactive epitope vaccine to stimulate CD8 + and CD4 + T cells against UTI pathogens. Predictions based on informatics were used to design potentially cross-protective T-cells inducing vaccine candidates.