Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a global threat with significant zoonotic concern. The present in silico study was aimed at determination of bioinformatics features and immunogenic epitopes of a tyrosine-rich oocyst wall protein (TrOWP) of Toxoplasma gondii. After retrieving the amino acid sequence from UniProt database, several parameters were predicted including antigenicity, allergenicity, solubility and physico-chemical features, signal peptide, transmembrane domain, and posttranslational modifications. Following secondary and tertiary structure prediction, the 3D model was refined, and immunogenic epitopes were forecasted. It was a 25.57 kDa hydrophilic molecule with 236 residues, a signal peptide, and significant antigenicity scores. Moreover, several linear and conformational B-cell epitopes were present. Also, potential mouse and human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) and helper T-lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes were predicted in the sequence. The findings of the present in silico study are promising as they render beneficial characteristics of TrOWP to be included in future vaccination experiments.
Highlights
The model apicomplexan, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), virtually infects a large number of warm-blooded animal species including humans [1]
Notwithstanding its widespread prevalence, T. gondii infection rarely results in clinical disease in immunocompetent individuals, whereas a decreased immune status, such as the case in pregnancy and/or immunosuppressive disorders, may pave the way for the opportunistic parasite to vividly invade to the unborn via placenta or to central nervous system (CNS) tissues, respectively [6]
One-third of the global population is affected by the apicomplexan protist, T. gondii, and its clinical significance is conspicuous in pregnant women and immunocompromised patients [46, 47]
Summary
The model apicomplexan, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), virtually infects a large number of warm-blooded animal species including humans [1]. Gametogony and sporogony occur in order to develop unsporulated oocysts. The latter are shed via feces into the environment, become infective, and contaminate food/water supplies [4]. Fast-replicating tachyzoites (transfusion-mediated and congenital infection) and slow-dividing bradyzoites (cyst-contaminated muscle tissues and organ transplant) are involved in alternative transmission pathways [5]. Notwithstanding its widespread prevalence, T. gondii infection rarely results in clinical disease in immunocompetent individuals, whereas a decreased immune status, such as the case in pregnancy and/or immunosuppressive disorders, may pave the way for the opportunistic parasite to vividly invade to the unborn via placenta or to central nervous system (CNS) tissues, respectively [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
