Journal article
In-silico design of a multi-epitope vaccine candidate against Strongyloides stercoralis
BMC infectious diseases
14 Apr 2026
PMID: 41981401
Featured in Collection : Drexel's Newest Publications
Abstract
Background
Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted helminth causing strongyloidiasis, mainly affecting impoverished populations in tropical and subtropical regions. Despite its high global prevalence, affecting an estimated 613.9 million people, it remains neglected in public health initiatives. Current treatments, including albendazole and ivermectin, show variable efficacy and face potential resistance, making vaccine development critical for long-term control and achieving WHO targets.
Methods
We employed an immunoinformatics approach to design a multi-epitope vaccine candidate by combining B-cell and T-cell epitopes from key L3-stage proteins involved in S. stercoralis infection. In addition, interactions with TLR4 were implemented to assess the vaccine’s ability to elicit an innate immune response.
Results
The selected proteins exhibited strong conservation, suggesting potential cross-protection across Strongyloides strains. The vaccine candidate was predicted to be antigenic, non-allergenic, and immunogenic, with immune simulation demonstrating robust activation of humoral and cellular immune responses. Extensive HLA coverage analysis indicated broad population applicability. Additionally, protein–protein docking and normal-mode analyses indicated efficient binding and stable interaction of the vaccine candidate with TLR4.
Conclusion
This study provides a promising approach to designing multi-epitope vaccines against S. stercoralis designed through integrative immunoinformatics. Overall, the designed vaccine candidate demonstrated immunogenicity and safety features that warrant further experimental validation in vitro and in vivo. These findings lay important groundwork for future vaccine development aimed at improving the prevention and control of strongyloidiasis globally.
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Details
- Title
- In-silico design of a multi-epitope vaccine candidate against Strongyloides stercoralis
- Creators
- Yanick Aqua Stong Tangan - University of BueaG Takop Nchanji - American Legacy FoundationEric Ndumu - Pan African Institute for DevelopmentAbey Blessings Ayuk - University of BueaKongnyu Brandon Ngala - Pan African Institute for DevelopmentMelvis Berinyuy Dulandzev - University of BueaNtang Emmaculate Yaah - University of BueaLahngong Methodius Shinyuy - University of BueaCabirou Mounchili Shintouo - Drexel University, Microbiology and ImmunologyBernis Neneyoh Yengo - Drexel University, Microbiology and ImmunologyAndreen Egbe Enowkpen - Pan African Institute for DevelopmentMary Teke Efeti - Vrije Universiteit BrusselJoan Amban Chick - Covenant UniversityKetura Yaje Gwei - University of BueaArnaud Azonpi Lemoge - Wilmington UniversityLuc Vanhamme - Université Libre de BruxellesJacob Souopgui - Université Libre de BruxellesStephen Mbigha Ghogomu - University of BueaRobert Adamu Shey - University of Buea
- Publication Details
- BMC infectious diseases
- Publisher
- Springer Science
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Other Identifier
- 991022180004404721