Identification of Antigenic Proteins of Acinetobacter baumannii as Potential Novel Vaccine Candidates Through a Reverse Vaccinology Approach

Infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) are increasing in prevalence globally. Therefore, vaccination appears necessary as a cost-effective preventative measure against this bacterium. In the present study, we employed subtractive proteomics and reverse vaccinology approaches to identify potential therapeutics against A. baumannii. Utilizing the Vaxign online tool, we analyzed over ۳۵ genomes of A. baumannii strains and selected outer membrane and secreted proteins as potential vaccine candidates. Investigations were conducted on the immunogenicity, antigenic characteristics, physicochemical properties, and epitope densities of B-cell and MHC class I and II molecules in the proteins. Following the optimization of the protein codons, the pcDNA۳.۱(+) expression construct was designed, and the immunogenicity, allergenicity, and physicochemical properties of the vaccine construct were predicted. The ompW protein is predicted to be extracellular and located in the outer membrane. Immunoassays of ompW indicated an antigenicity of ۰.۶۷. This protein has five structural cell epitope points and five linear B epitope points. Additionally, it can bind to various HLA alleles of MHC class I and class II, making it a selected immunogenic protein suitable for designing non-allergenic structures. The results of this in silico study demonstrate high specificity and the development of a robust humoral and cellular immune response. Therefore, it can be concluded that the ompW vaccine construct is a promising candidate against A. baumannii that requires further testing in vitro and in vivo to prove its efficacy.

کلیدواژه ها:

Vaccine ، Acinetobacter baumannii ، Protein antigen ، In silico