Chikungunya Virus E2 Structural Protein B-Cell Epitopes Analysis

Author(s)

da Cruz Silva, Joao Paulo ; dos Passos Cunha, Marielton ; Pour, Shahab Zaki ; Hering, Vitor Renaux ; de Lima Neto, Daniel Ferreira ; de Andrade Zanotto, Paolo Marinho

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Viruses-Basel; v. 14, n. 8, p. 16-pg., 2022-08-01.

Abstract

The Togaviridae family comprises a large and diverse group of viruses responsible for recurrent outbreaks in humans. Within this family, the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an important Alphavirus in terms of morbidity, mortality, and economic impact on humans in different regions of the world. The objective of this study was to perform an IgG epitope recognition of the CHIKV's structural proteins E2 and E3 using linear synthetic peptides recognized by serum from patients in the convalescence phase of infection. The serum samples used were collected in the state of Sergipe, Brazil in 2016. Based on the results obtained using immunoinformatic predictions, synthetic B-cell peptides corresponding to the epitopes of structural proteins E2 and E3 of the CHIKV were analyzed by the indirect peptide ELISA technique. Protein E2 was the main target of the immune response, and three conserved peptides, corresponding to peptides P3 and P4 located at Domain A and P5 at the end of Domain B, were identified. The peptides P4 and P5 were the most reactive and specific among the 11 epitopes analyzed and showed potential for use in serological diagnostic trials and development and/or improvement of the Chikungunya virus diagnosis and vaccine design. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/23281-6 - The use of antibodies that neutralize infection at a post-attachment step for the development of innovative immunotherapeutic strategies exemplified for selective destruction of Zika-infected human cells.
• Grantee: Paolo Marinho de Andrade Zanotto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/08204-2 - Genetic and phylodynamics diversity of emerging and re-emerging arboviruses (DENV, ZIKV and CHIKV) in the Northeast and Southeast regions of Brazil, 2014-2016
• Grantee: Marielton dos Passos Cunha
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate