Molecular characterization analysis of the outer protein layer (VP7) from human rotavirus A genotype G1 isolate identified in Iran: implications for vaccine development

The full open reading frame of the outer protein layer VP7 from an isolate of human rotavirus identified in 2010 in an Iranian child admitted to hospital with gastroenteritis was amplified from a clinical stool specimen and subjected to molecular characterization. Genetic and phylogenetic analyses indicated that the analyzed gene falls into the G1 genotype forming a sub-cluster with sequences recently identified in Iran and geographically distant countries. Such results were confirmed by protein sequence alignment, showing a highly conserved "G1-like" amino acid sequence pattern within the known three main immunodominant regions. These results are extremely relevant in a perspective of vaccine development. Indeed, the present study confirms that the A group G1 genotype is the most prevalent Rotavirus circulating in Iran and supports the development of G1 genotype-based rotavirus vaccine for this country.