Structural analysis and epitope prediction of HCV E1 protein isolated in Pakistan: an in-silico approach

Virology Journal

Usman A Ashfaq¹  Sobia Idrees¹ 

[1] Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University (GCU), Faisalabad, Pakistan

关键词: Vaccine;    3D structure prediction;    B cell epitope;    T cell epitope;    Hepatitis C Virus;   

Others  :  1150925
DOI  :  10.1186/1743-422X-10-113

 received in 2012-09-26, accepted in 2013-04-04,  发布年份 2013

【 摘 要 】

Background

HCV infection is a major health problem causing acute and chronic hepatitis. HCV E1 protein is a transmembrane protein that is involved in viral attachment and therefore, can serve as an important target for vaccine development. Consequently, this study was designed to analyze the HCV E1 protein sequence isolated in Pakistan to find potential conserved epitopes/antigenic determinants.

Results

HCV E1 protein isolated in Pakistan was analyzed using various bio-informatics and immuno-informatics tools including sequence and structure tools. A total of four antigenic B cell epitopes, 5 MHC class I binding peptides and 5 MHC class II binding peptides were predicted. Best designed epitopes were subjected to conservation analyses with other countries.

Conclusion

The study was conducted to predict antigenic determinants/epitopes of HCV E1 protein of genotype 3a along with the 3D protein modeling. The study revealed potential B-cell and T-cell epitopes that can raise the desired immune response against HCV E1 protein isolated in Pakistan. Conservation analysis can be helpful in developing effective vaccines against HCV and thus limiting threats of HCV infection in Pakistan.

【 授权许可】

   
2013 Idrees and Ashfaq; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

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