Immunoinformatics-Driven Engineering of a Chimeric E0/E2 Epitope Vaccine Targeting Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus

Shaobo Liang; Min Wei; Weijie Zhou; Feng Pang

doi:10.29261/pakvetj/2025.201

Author(s)

Shaobo Liang Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University,Guiyang 550025,China

Min Wei Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University,Guiyang 550025,China

Weijie Zhou Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University,Guiyang 550025,China

Feng Pang Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University,Guiyang 550025,China

Abstract

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) poses substantial economic burdens to global cattle industries. To address this, we designed an innovative multi-epitope vaccine targeting BVDV via immuno-informatics. Seven cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), five helper T lymphocyte (HTL), and seven B-cell epitopes from E0/E2 glycoproteins were strategically connected using AAY, GPGPG, and KK linkers. To boost immunogenicity, a ß-defensin adjuvant was incorporated at the N-terminal of the vaccine using a short peptide linker EAAAK. Computational analysis confirmed favorable physiochemical properties, antigenicity, solubility, and safety (non-allergenic, non-toxic). Structural optimization yielded a stable vaccine's 3D model with improved Z-score (-2.67). Molecular docking revealed strong interactions between the vaccine and bovine TLR2 and TLR4. Molecular dynamics analysis confirmed the stability of the docked vaccine-TLR complexes. Immune simulation predicted robust humoral responses (elevated IgG/IgM) and cellular immunity (increased IFN-?/IL-2). The codon-optimized sequence showed significant potential for high-level expression in E. coli. The newly designed chimeric E0/E2 epitope vaccine shows promise for triggering dual immune responses, offering a viable strategy for BVDV control.

Publication Details

Page(s) 1199-1207

DOI 10.29261/pakvetj/2025.201

Published Journal: Pakistan Veterinary Journal, Volume: 45, Issue: 3, Year: 2025

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Keywords

molecular docking, Multi-epitope vaccine, Immuno-informatics, Immune simulation

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