In-silico analysis of recombinant protein vaccines based on the spike protein of Indonesian SARS-CoV-2 through a reverse vaccinology approach

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to produce a recombinant protein vaccine candidate based on an epitope of spike protein from Indonesian SARS-CoV-2 to provide immunogenicity and protection against future infection. MethodsA reverse vaccinology approach was used to identify potential vaccine candidates by screening the pathogen's genome through computational analyses. ResultsEpitope vaccine candidates with the amino acid sequence of FKNHTSPDV were selected. This peptide is hydrophilic, does not induce autoimmune and allergic reactions, is antigenic, is classified as a stable protein, and is predicted to be present in the cell membrane. The selected epitope sequences were inserted into the plasmid vector pcDNA3.1(+) N-GST (thrombin). Inclusion of additional features of the gene encoding glutathione-S transferase, which can increase antigen expression and solubility, and the genes encoding NSP 1–4 proteins, which are essential in replication, added value to the produced recombinant protein. ConclusionRecombinant protein vaccine candidates with the FKNHTSPDV epitope have parameters sufficient for production on a laboratory scale for further testing.