In Silico Analyzing 37 kDa Salivary Protein D7 and Discovering Vaccine Candidate and Diagnostic Epitopes to Develop a Transmission-blocking Multi-epitope Vector Vaccine Against Aedes Species (A. aegypti and A. albopictus) Transmitting Several Arboviral Pathogens

Year 2025, Volume: 14 Issue: 2, 152 - 165, 31.08.2025

Ahmet Köseoğlu , Buminhan Özgültekin , Yusuf Şeflekçi

https://doi.org/10.54187/jnrs.1675428

Abstract

Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, are significant vectors of arboviral diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. With expanding geographical distributions due to climate change and urbanization, these species increasingly threaten public health. Current vector control strategies rely heavily on insecticides, which face challenges due to increased resistance. An alternative approach involves developing transmission-blocking vaccines targeting mosquito vector proteins rather than individual pathogens. This study performed an in-silico analysis of the 37 kDa salivary protein D7, a highly conserved and abundantly secreted protein in Aedes saliva, to identify potential vaccine and diagnostic epitopes. Through sequence comparison, structural modeling, and immunoinformatics approaches, B-cell, MHC-I, and MHC-II epitopes with high antigenicity, non-allergenicity, and non-toxicity were predicted. Selected epitopes were incorporated into multi-epitope vaccine constructs against A. aegypti and A. albopictus vectors, which were subsequently modeled, validated, and simulated to induce IgM, IgG, and IFN-g. The present study's findings suggest that the 37 kDa salivary protein D7 is a promising candidate for a transmission-blocking vector vaccine targeting Aedes mosquitoes, offering a novel strategy for controlling mosquito-borne diseases. Further experimental validation is necessary to confirm the immunogenicity and protective potential of the identified epitopes.

Keywords

Aedes , salivary protein D7 , epitope , vaccine , in silico

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