Antigenicity and immunogenicity of synthetic peptides derived from predicted b cell epitopes of nervous necrosis virus (NNV) in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) | |
| Author | Jungi, Sumit Vinod |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.AQ-22-01 |
| Subject(s) | Fishes--Diseases--Prevention Fishes--Immunology Fishes--Vaccination Giant perch Seabass |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) has spread throughout the world, affecting more than 120 freshwater and marine fish species. While vaccination is an effective method of preventing disease outbreaks, the difficulty of producing sufficient virus via cell line continues to be a significant disadvantage. This study, therefore, explored the application of synthetic peptides as potential vaccine candidates for the prevention of NNV in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer). Using the IEDB epitope prediction tool and molecular docking, three predicted immunogenic B cell epitopes (30-32 aa) derived from NNV envelop protein were selected and synthesized, corresponding to amino acid positions 5 to 34 (P1), 133 to 162 (P2) and 181 to 212 (P3). All peptides interact with Asian sea bass’s MHC class II by docking. The antigenicity of these peptides was determined through ELISA and all peptides were able to react with NNV specific antibodies. Subsequently, the immunogenicity of these synthetic peptides was investigated by immunization of Asian seabass with individual peptides (30 µg/fish) and a peptide cocktail (P1+P2+P3, 10 µg each/fish) by intraperitoneal injection, followed by a booster dose (10 µg) at day 28 post-primary immunization (dpi). There was a subset of immunized fish that were able to induce upregulation of CD4 in the head kidney and spleen. Importantly, antibodies derived from fish immunized with synthetic peptides reacted with NNV. Taken together, these findings indicate that synthetic linear peptides based on predicted B cell epitopes exhibited both antigenic and immunogenic properties, suggesting that they could be potential vaccine candidates for prevention of NNV in fish. |
| Year | 2022 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AQ) |
| Chairperson(s) | Ha, Thanh Dong;Salin, Krishna R. (Co-Chairperson) |
| Examination Committee(s) | Datta, Avishek;Lumpan Poolsawat; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Her Majesty the Queen's Scholarships |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2022 |