Promising vaccine models against astrovirus MLB2 using integrated vaccinomics and immunoinformatics approaches†

Astrovirus MLB2 (AstV-MLB2) is an emerging gastrointestinal virus causing meningitis and disseminated infections. Currently, there are no vaccine-based therapies available for AstV-MLB2. This study aims to develop multi-epitope vaccine models using candidate proteins from AstV-MLB2. Highly immunogenic epitopes (IC₅₀ < 200 μM) exhibiting conservation, antigenicity, and non-allergenicity were called from these proteins. Additionally, the selection criteria for epitopes were based on their potential to trigger immune cells and stimulate IFN-γ-mediated immune responses. The model vaccine constructs were designed from identified lead epitopes, along with immune-enhancer adjuvants and linker sequences. The proposed vaccine models were assessed for allergenicity, antigenicity, and structural integrity to ensure their safety and effectiveness. The binding potential of the vaccine models to HLA and TLR-4 immune cell receptors was evaluated to identify their capacity to stimulate immune responses. Among several raw constructs, MLB2-V1 and MLB2-V2 were identified as potential vaccine candidates due to their non-allergenic features, enhanced antigenic properties, and structural stability. Both these constructs were extensively evaluated and predicted to effectively bind to and interact with immune cell receptors, potentially triggering cellular and innate immune responses. Additionally, the prioritized constructs were deemed suitable for cloning and expression using recombinant DNA systems. The model vaccine constructs showed promise, warranting further investigation into their immune efficacy against MLB2-mediated infections through experimental assays and clinical trials.