Exploring the Function of Predicted T-Cell Epitopes in Enhancing Influenza Virus Vaccine Efficacy

This study investigates the potential utility of predicted T-cell epitopes derived from the hemagglutinin (HA) sequences of the H1N1 and H5N1 serotypes of the influenza virus. The aim is to contribute to the improvement of a valuable influenza virus vaccine. The influenza virus, a member of the Orthomyxoviridae family, causes the contagious illness commonly known as the “flu.” It contains RNA and exhibits symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches, coughing, fatigue, and weakness. Each year, the flu epidemic results in a significant number of deaths and cases of severe illness worldwide. The study focuses on the HA protein, which is very useful for entry of virus and host cell strap, and the neuraminidase (NA) enzyme, which facilitates the free of the virus from the host cell. By utilizing computational tools such as Propred 1 and Propred, binding predictions for MHC class I and II are generated and conserved sequences are analyzed. The 3D structures of MHC class I and II human molecules are obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) using the PATCH-DOCK server. Through patch docking of the analyzed conserved sequences with MHC I and II human molecules, conserved epitopes that hold potential for vaccine development are identified. This research highlights the importance of utilizing predicted T-cell epitopes in the design of effective influenza virus vaccines. By leveraging computational methods and structural analysis, this approach provides insights into the development of vaccines that target specific influenza virus serotypes. The identified conserved epitopes have the potential to enhance vaccine efficacy and contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat influenza virus infections. © 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.