Design and Synthesis of Peptide conjugates as Vaccine Candidates for ZIKA Virus

Abstract

Zika virus was first identified in rhesus monkeys in 1947, but it has been known to infect humans since the 1960s. Due to its host, the Aedes mosquito, the virus circulating worldwide quickly, has lifted concerns over the safety of mankind. Any approved vaccine or drug is not available in the market against Zika infection. Microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults are major risks associated with Zika that mandate the development of vaccines to combat the virus. Hurdles in production, safety majors, insufficient financial resources, distribution and requirement of booster shots are prominent concerns in vaccine development. Therefore a vaccine strategy was needed to minimise these challenges along with a broad spectrum of protection from the Zika virus to worldwide population. Highly conserved peptide fragments related to critical viral proteins may be potent candidates for broadly reactive Zika vaccines that possess multiple immunogenic epitopes and the ability to interact with a wide range of HLA molecules. The peptide therapeutics usually confronts poor stability and insufficient antigen presentation obstacles, addressed by using adequate adjuvants with peptides. Polymer conjugates are promising vehicles for effective and safe vaccine development against infectious diseases. Antigen shelf stability, control release and presentation are prominent benefits of polymer conjugation with antigens. Due to biodegradability and hydrophilic, low-cost, flexible, and non-ionic properties, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has attracted researchers for vaccine development strategies over the past few years. In addressing the above facts, the present study is oriented towards identifying highly conserved immunogenic peptides of the Zika virus precursor membrane protein (prM) using immunoinformatics techniques and in vitro validation of peptide and peptide conjugates for eliciting immune response.