Exploratory Evaluation of Peptide-Based Immunization Targeting Fusion Glycoprotein-Derived Epitopes of Nipah Virus in Murine Model
Abstract
Background: Nipah virus (NiV), a zoonotic paramyxovirus with high case fatality and pandemic potential, remains without a licensed vaccine for humans to date. Although there has been progress in vaccine development, it remains limited, and peptide vaccines have rarely been validated in vivo. Methods: Here, we report the rational antigen selection, synthesis, and preliminary immunogenicity evaluation of NiV fusion glycoprotein (NiV-F)-derived linear peptides as vaccine candidates. Candidate epitopes were identified by in silico, and a total of 18 B- and T-cell epitope-derived peptides were shortlisted for synthesis and antigenicity validation by ELISA. Results: Antigenicity evaluation showed that 9 of the synthesized peptides have A450nm of over 1 (8 from the F11 group, A450nm: 1.13–3.6; 1 from the F18 group, A450nm: 1.51), with the peptide constructs F11-3 (A450nm: 3.5) and F11-4 (A450nm: 3.6) showing the highest antigenicity. Interestingly, peptides from F11 with amidation increased antibody binding (F11-4-NH2, A450nm: 3.05; F11-4-9mer-1-NH2, A450nm: 0.87). The lead peptide candidates, F11-3 and F11-4, were subsequently used for the immunization experiment, and mouse sera were assessed against their homologous peptide antigens or recombinant NiV-F protein. ELISA result showed detectable antibody reactivity against their homologous antigen for the intramuscular (IM) F11-3 vaccinated group (A450nm: 0.30 ± 0.35), whereas increased binding was observed for both IM-administered…
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