In-silico identification of candidate B cell epitopes and evaluation of chimeric proteins derived from FIMH,WZA and HMA proteins for the control of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli infections.

Abstract

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are common pathogens in urinary tract infections (UTIs), which show resistance to antibiotics; necessitating a vaccine to reduce susceptibility to these infections. In this study, bioinformatics approaches were employed to predict the best B cell epitopes of UPEC virulence proteins to develop the most suitable vaccine candidate against UPEC. Immunodominant epitopes from UPEC virulent proteins (FimH, Wza and Hma) were selected to construct the chimera. Six chimeras were designed. This was achieved by combining the selected epitopes with both flexible and rigid linkers of varying lengths, including a hexa histidine tag at the end of the candidate chimera sequence. A beta defensin adjuvant was utilized in the vaccine design. The chimeras were then evaluated for physicochemical properties, antigenicity, toxicity and allergenicity. Among the designed chimeras, chimera -01 possessed the most superior stability and excellent solubility compared to other candidate chimeras. These findings suggest the possibility of a promising vaccine chimera that possesses the necessary attributes to trigger a strong immune response against UPEC infections. Successful validation through additional in vivo and in vitro studies could mark a significant breakthrough, meriting further investigation. These findings therefore suggest that chimera-01 had the potential to induce a robust and targeted immune response against UPEC. The present study indicates that the designed candidate chimera is able to evoke robust immunity which warrants further studies.