Journal of Advanced Biomedical Sciences
JABS
Wed, May 13, 2026
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Spring 2026 (In Press)
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1- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran ,a.dalirghafari@shahed.ac.ir
3- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran ,
3- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (19 Views)
Background & Objective: Avian coccidiosis, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria, imposes substantial economic losses on the global poultry industry. Rhoptry proteins (ROPs), as critical virulence determinants involved in host cell invasion, represent promising targets for vaccine development. This in silico study was designed to conduct a comprehensive immunoinformatic characterization of six key E. tenella ROPs in order to identify and prioritize potent T-cell and B-cell epitopes for rational vaccine design.
Material & Methods: The physicochemical properties, antigenicity, allergenicity, solubility, and post-translational modification (PTM) sites of the six ROPs were systematically predicted using a suite of validated web-based tools. Secondary and tertiary structures were modeled, followed by rigorous refinement and validation procedures. Subsequently, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) and helper T-lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes were predicted using human HLA allele surrogates. Their immunogenic potential, including the capacity to induce IFN-γ and IL-4 responses, was thoroughly evaluated. Linear B-cell epitopes were then identified and screened based on antigenicity, non-allergenicity, and optimal solubility profiles.
Results: The findings demonstrated that all selected ROPs are antigenic, non-allergenic, and predominantly hydrophilic, with several exhibiting favorable solubility characteristics. Diverse PTM sites were identified, suggesting complex post-translational regulation. A repertoire of high-affinity and immunogenic CTL and HTL epitopes was detected, among which several candidates showed the potential to induce both IFN-γ (Th1) and IL-4 (Th2) responses, indicative of balanced immune activation. In addition, multiple linear B-cell epitopes with high antigenicity scores were identified.
Conclusion: This study presents the first comprehensive bioinformatic blueprint of six E. tenella ROPs and highlights a rich pool of immunogenic epitopes for subsequent experimental validation and vaccine development.
Material & Methods: The physicochemical properties, antigenicity, allergenicity, solubility, and post-translational modification (PTM) sites of the six ROPs were systematically predicted using a suite of validated web-based tools. Secondary and tertiary structures were modeled, followed by rigorous refinement and validation procedures. Subsequently, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) and helper T-lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes were predicted using human HLA allele surrogates. Their immunogenic potential, including the capacity to induce IFN-γ and IL-4 responses, was thoroughly evaluated. Linear B-cell epitopes were then identified and screened based on antigenicity, non-allergenicity, and optimal solubility profiles.
Results: The findings demonstrated that all selected ROPs are antigenic, non-allergenic, and predominantly hydrophilic, with several exhibiting favorable solubility characteristics. Diverse PTM sites were identified, suggesting complex post-translational regulation. A repertoire of high-affinity and immunogenic CTL and HTL epitopes was detected, among which several candidates showed the potential to induce both IFN-γ (Th1) and IL-4 (Th2) responses, indicative of balanced immune activation. In addition, multiple linear B-cell epitopes with high antigenicity scores were identified.
Conclusion: This study presents the first comprehensive bioinformatic blueprint of six E. tenella ROPs and highlights a rich pool of immunogenic epitopes for subsequent experimental validation and vaccine development.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Parasitology
Received: 2025/12/16 | Revised: 2026/05/12 | Accepted: 2026/02/8
Received: 2025/12/16 | Revised: 2026/05/12 | Accepted: 2026/02/8
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons — Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)