Core-genome guided novel therapeutic targets identification and chimeric vaccine designing against Rickettsia rickettsii.

ABSTRACT: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, caused by the gram-negative intracellular bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii, is a serious tick-borne infection with a fatality rate of 20-30%, if not treated. Since it is the most serious rickettsial disease in North America, modified prevention and treatment strategies are of critical importance. In order to find new therapeutic targets and create multiepitope vaccines, this study integrated subtractive proteomics with reverse vaccinology. The core genome of R. rickettsii was investigated, resulting in the identification of seven essential, human non-homologous proteins as potential drug targets, as well as four antigenic, non-allergenic proteins suitable for vaccine development. Using conserved antigenic peptides, two chimeric vaccine constructs were developed

SUBMITTER: Arshad F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11704189 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature