How Computational Epitope Mapping Identifies the Interactions between Nanoparticles Derived from Papaya Mosaic Virus Capsid Proteins and Immune System.

backgroundNanoparticles derived from plant viruses possess fascinating structures, versa-tile functions and safe properties, rendering them valuable for a variety of applications. Papaya mosaic Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) are nanoparticles that contain a repetitive number of virus capsid proteins (PMV-CP) and are considered to be promising platforms for vaccine design. Previous studies have re-ported the antigenicity of PMV nanoparticles in mammalian systems. MATERIALS AND

methodsAs experiments that concern vaccine development require careful design and can be time consuming, computational experiments are of particular importance. Therefore, prior to ex-pressing PMV-CP in E. coli and producing nanoparticles, we performed an in silico analysis of the virus particles using software programs based on a series of sophisticated algorithms and modeling networks as useful tools for vaccine design. A computational study of PMV-CP in the context of the immune sys-tem reaction allowed us to clarify particle structure and other unknown features prior to their introduc-tion in vitro.

resultsThe results illustrated that the produced nanoparticles can trigger an immune response in the absence of fusion with any foreign antigen.

conclusionBased on the in silico analyses, the empty capsid protein was determined to be recognised by different B and T cells, as well as cells which carry MHC epitopes.