A Reverse Vaccinology Approach towards a Peptide-Based Vaccine against the Newly Emerged Langya Henipavirus

Abstract

Background: Recently, Langya henipavirus (LayV), an animal virus, was found in humans in Eastern China. The single-stranded, negatively oriented RNA genome of the LayV virus from the Henipavirus genus is a member of the Paramyxoviridae family. Methods: The LayV genome analysis showed that the virus is closely related to the Mojiang henipavirus. The whole protein sequence of the glycoprotein G of the Langya henipavirus UUV47241.1 was retrieved. These proteins were further examined to predict epitopes and were found to be remarkably non-toxic, immunogenic, antigenic, and non-allergic. Results: These sequences allowed the extraction of T-cell (major histocompatibility complex class 1 and class 2) and B-cell epitopes which yielded vaccine constructs, then further examined the population coverage to determine their global acceptability. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-1 and MHC-2 had population coverage of 69.47% and 45.33%, respectively. The structural prediction was validated using physicochemical, molecular, and immunological features to develop a durable and efficient vaccine candidate. Conclusion: This method could make computational vaccines an effective option against dangerous microbes because they successfully cover a huge population. These results could ultimately help vaccine researchers to create a highly effective peptide-based vaccine.