In-Silico Design of a Multi-Epitope DNA Vaccine Against FIV Using Immunoinformatics and Machine Learning Tools to Support HIV Vaccine Innovation
Faculty Mentor
Maged Gomaa Hemida
Area of Research
Veterinary Medicine
Major
Veterinary Medicine
Description
INTRODUCTION: Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus that exhibits significant structural and pathological similarities to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), establishing it as a valuable model for HIV vaccine development.
METHOD: In this study, artificial intelligence (AI) and immunoinformatics approaches were employed to design a novel multi-epitope DNA vaccine targeting conserved regions of the FIV gag, pol, and env genes.
RESULTS: Predicted B-cell and T-cell epitopes were evaluated for their capacity to induce strong immune responses while minimizing allergenic or toxic effects and were linked to the immune adjuvant PADRE. Structural analysis indicated that the vaccine construct is stable, soluble, and biocompatible, with a well-folded tertiary structure that binds Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and elicits robust humoral and cellular immune responses.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: These findings identify a promising FIV vaccine candidate and provide insights for the development of next-generation HIV vaccines.
In-Silico Design of a Multi-Epitope DNA Vaccine Against FIV Using Immunoinformatics and Machine Learning Tools to Support HIV Vaccine Innovation
INTRODUCTION: Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus that exhibits significant structural and pathological similarities to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), establishing it as a valuable model for HIV vaccine development.
METHOD: In this study, artificial intelligence (AI) and immunoinformatics approaches were employed to design a novel multi-epitope DNA vaccine targeting conserved regions of the FIV gag, pol, and env genes.
RESULTS: Predicted B-cell and T-cell epitopes were evaluated for their capacity to induce strong immune responses while minimizing allergenic or toxic effects and were linked to the immune adjuvant PADRE. Structural analysis indicated that the vaccine construct is stable, soluble, and biocompatible, with a well-folded tertiary structure that binds Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and elicits robust humoral and cellular immune responses.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: These findings identify a promising FIV vaccine candidate and provide insights for the development of next-generation HIV vaccines.