Secreted Aspartyl Proteinases Targeted Multi-Epitope Vaccine Design for Candida dubliniensis Using Immunoinformatics

Candida dubliniensis is an opportunistic pathogen associated with oral and invasive fungal infections in immune-compromised individuals. Furthermore, the emergence of C. dubliniensis antifungal drug resistance could exacerbate its treatment. Hence, in this study a multi-epitope vaccine candidate has been designed using an immunoinformatics approach by targeting C. dubliniensis secreted aspartyl proteinases (SAP) proteins. In silico tools have been utilized to predict epitopes and determine their allergic potential, antigenic potential, toxicity, and potential to elicit interleukin-2 (IL2), interleukin-4 (IL4), and IFN-gamma. Using the computational tools, eight epitopes have been predicted that were then linked with adjuvants for final vaccine candidate development. Computational immune simulation has depicted that the immunogen designed emerges as a strong immunogenic candidate for a vaccine. Further, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation analyses revealed stable interactions between the vaccine candidate and the human toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5). Finally, immune simulations corroborated the promising candidature of the designed vaccine, thus calling for further in vivo investigation.

Automated summary

In this study, a multi-epitope vaccine candidate targeting C. dubliniensis secreted aspartyl proteinases (SAP) proteins was designed using an immunoinformatics approach. Computational tools were utilized to predict epitopes and determine their potential for allergic reactions, antigenicity, toxicity, and ability to elicit immune responses. Eight epitopes were predicted and linked with adjuvants for the development of the final vaccine candidate. Computational immune simulations confirmed the strong immunogenicity of the designed immunogen. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation analyses showed stable interactions between the vaccine candidate and the human toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5). Immune simulations further supported the promising candidature of the designed vaccine, calling for further in vivo investigation.