Computational Design of a VLP-based Multi-Epitope Peptide Vaccine Candidate against Breast Cancer

Hajighahramani, Nasim; Ghasempour, Fatemeh

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Computational Design of a VLP-based Multi-Epitope Peptide Vaccine Candidate against Breast Cancer

Nasim Hajighahramani ^*

, Fatemeh Ghasempour

Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran , n.hajighahramani@arums.ac.ir

Abstract: (232 Views)

Background: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women, and finding effective treatments is essential. Among different cancer immunotherapy strategies, vaccines play a prominent role. This study aimed to design a multi-epitope peptide vaccine based on Virus-Like Particles (VLP) against breast cancer using computational methods.
Methods: Antigen sequences of HER2, MUC1, Alpha lactalbumin, Mammaglobin-A and the MS2 adjuvant were retrieved. T-helper (HTL) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) inducing epitopes were identified using servers such as IEDB, and their antigenicity and allergenicity were analyzed. Molecular docking was performed using HPEPDOCK between selected epitopes and corresponding MHC molecules. The best selected epitopes and adjuvants were connected by linkers. The designed vaccine’s properties, including allergenicity, antigenicity, solubility, and physicochemical properties were assessed. B-cells and IFN-γ inducing epitopes were identified. Finally, the vaccine’s 3D structure was modeled, refined, and validated.
Results: Epitopes from HER2, MUC1, Alpha lactalbumin, and Mammaglobin-A were identified through immunoinformatics analyses and selection of common HLAs in Iran. The 3D structure of the vaccine was designed, optimized, and validated, showing good stability, solubility, and antigenicity.
Conclusion: This study designed a VLP-based subunit vaccine with adjuvant properties that can enhance antigen presentation and induce robust B and T lymphocyte responses. The vaccine is a promising candidate for preventive or therapeutic use against breast cancer, though experimental and clinical studies are necessary to confirm its efficacy.

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Epitope, Immunoinformatics, Vaccine, Virus-like Particles

Full-Text [PDF 1483 kb] (126 Downloads)

Type of Study: article | Subject: Biotechnology
Received: 2025/07/1 | Accepted: 2025/08/21 | Published: 2025/09/29

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