Identification of T Cell and B Cell Specific Peptide Vaccine for the Treatment of Ross River Virus

Abstract

Ross River virus, also known as Ross River fever and epidemic polyarthritis, is an infection that is spread to humans through mosquitoes.Ross River virus infection can cause fever, rash, joint inflammation and pain, fatigue and muscle aches. Most people recover completely within 3 to 6 months, although some people have intermittent symptoms for a year or more. Ross River virus infection is caused by an alphavirus(RNA Virus).Ross River virus is named after the Ross River in Townsville, which is the place where it was first identified. Ross River fever is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Australia, and nearly 5000 people are reported to be infected with the virus each year.The T and B lymphocytes (T and B Cells) are involved in the acquired or antigen-specific immune response given that they are the only cells in the organism able to recognize and respond specifically to each antigenic epitope.Developing a B-cell and T-cell specific peptide vaccine for Ross River Virus (RRV) would involve identifying specific antigenic targets that can stimulate the immune response.