Prediction of Conformational and Linear B-Cell Epitopes on Envelop Protein of Zika Virus Using Immunoinformatics Approach

The current spread of Zika virus infection in India has become a public health issue due to the virus's possible link to birth abnormalities and neurological disorders. There is a need for enhanced vaccines or drugs as a result of its epidemic outbreak and the lack of potential medication. B-cell mediated adaptive immunity is capable of developing pathogen-specific memory that confers immunological protection. Therefore, in this study, the envelope protein of the Zika virus was retrieved from the NCBI protein database. The ABCpred and BepiPred software were used to discover linear B-cell epitopes on envelope protein. Conformational B-cell epitopes on envelope protein were identified using SEPPA 3.0 and Ellipro tools. Predicted B-cell epitopes were evaluated for allergenicity, toxicity, and antigenicity. Two consensus linear B-cell epitopes, envelope(165-180) (AKVEITPNSPRAEATL) and envelope(224-238) (PWHAGADTGTPHWNN) were identified using ABCpred and BepiPredtools. SEPPA 3.0 and Elliprotools predicted consensus conformational envelope(98-110) (DRGWGNGCGLFGK) and envelope(248-251) (AHAK) epitopes and one residue ((PRO)-P-75) within envelope protein as a component of B-cell epitopes. These predicted linear and conformational B-cell epitopes will help in designing peptide vaccines that will activate the humoral response. However, in-vitro and in-vivo laboratory experimental confirmations are still needed to prove the application's feasibility.