Design of a multi-epitope vaccine candidate against Helicobacter pylori in gastric cancer: an immunoinformatic approach.

Background: Gastric cancer and peptic ulcers can both be caused by . The complexity of such a bacterium has made it difficult to develop an effective treatment. Thus, a computational approach to developing antigenicity, stability, and safety in vaccines against this pathogen will aid in the management of related diseases.

Methods: This investigation chose two proteins, SabA and BabA, as epitope prediction targets, and an immunoinformatics platform was used to create a subunit vaccine against . The best helper T-lymphocyte (HTLs) along with cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTLs) epitopes were chosen according to antigenicity, toxicity and allergenicity. The chosen epitopes, suitable linkers, and adjuvants were combined for creating a final vaccine design. The antigenicity, allergenicity, and physicochemical traits of the vaccine were assessed.

Results: The 3D structure of the multi-epitope vaccine was successfully predicted. The results of molecular docking analysis along with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation on the multi-epitope vaccine and immune receptors complex showed the structure has appropriate interaction energy between its two components and good stability. The vaccine candidate was cloned in silico in the pET28a (+) vector successfully in a suitable site.

Conclusion: The results showed that final vaccine design would work well as an effective prophylactic vaccine against . To evaluate vaccine efficacy against the aforementioned bacteria, and trials are required.