Recognition of A Highly Conserved DSRCPTQ Epitope in Envelope Protein of Zika Virus Through in silico Approaches

The recurrent and recent outbreak of Zika Virus (ZIKV) has turned into global concern as yet there is no appropriate preventive measure been found. Situation getting worse as this virus also associates with several birth defects in neonatal such as primary microcephaly as well as many other neurological disorders. ZIKV adopts a wide host range which has hastened its expansion more recklessly. Hence, now there is an acute demand for developing a preventive vaccine against ZIKV. Immunoinformatic techniques have been employed in this study to pick out a highly conserved versatile antigenic B-cell linear epitope for all strains of ZIKV. Capsid protein (C), Membrane Glycoprotein Precursor (PrM), envelope protein (E) and RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase (NS5) have investigated by the implementation of sequence analysis and different epitope prediction methods. Some potential linear peptides have been recognized and tested for hydrophilicity and conservancy. Peptide with best antigenic properties was selected as ultimate final epitope and further structural exploration revealed its compatible position in protein 3D structure. Being fully conserved in all strains of ZIKV and its position in Envelope protein suggested epitope DSRCPTQ can be a quantum leap in the advancement of ZIKV prevention. However, extensive in vitro plus in vivo experimentations are needed to be clarified about the real potency of the selected epitope.