Design of a multi-epitope-based vaccine consisted of immunodominant epitopes of structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 using immunoinformatics approach.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has shown rapid global spread and has resulted in a significant death toll worldwide. In this study, we aimed to design a multi-epitope vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 based on structural proteins S, M, N, and E. We identified B- and T-cell epitopes and then the antigenicity, toxicity, allergenicity, and similarity of predicted epitopes were analyzed. T-cell epitopes were docked with corresponding HLA alleles. Consequently, the selected T- and B-cell epitopes were included in the final construct. All selected epitopes were connected with different linkers and flagellin and pan-HLA DR binding epitopes (PADRE) as an adjuvant were used in the vaccine construct. Furthermore, molecular docking was used to evaluate the complex between the final vaccine construct and two alleles, HLA-A*02:01 and HLA-DRB1*01:01. Finally, codons were optimized for in silico cloning into pET28a(+) vector using SnapGene. The final vaccine construct comprised 11 CTL, HTL, and B-cell epitopes corresponding to 394 amino acid residues. In silico evaluation showed that the designed vaccine might potentially promote an immune response. Further in vivo preclinical and clinical testing is required to determine the safety and efficacy of the designed vaccine.

Long noncoding RNAs in respiratory viruses: A review.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are defined as RNA molecules longer than 200 nucleotides that can regulate gene expression at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional levels. Both human lncRNAs and lncRNAs encoded by viruses can modulate the expression of host genes which are critical for viral replication, latency, activation of signalling pathways, cytokine and chemokine production, RNAi processing, expression of interferons (IFNs) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Studies on lncRNAs as key regulators of host-virus interactions may give new insights into therapeutic strategies for the treatment of related diseases. This current review focuses on the role of lncRNAs, and their interactions with respiratory viruses including influenza A virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Interactions between SARS coronavirus 2 papain-like protease and immune system: A potential drug target for the treatment of COVID-19.

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a large family of respiratory viruses which can cause mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections. Recently, new coronavirus named as Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been identified which is a major threat to public health. Innate immune responses play a vital role in a host's defence against viruses. Interestingly, CoVs have evolved elaborate strategies to evade the complex system of sensors and signalling molecules to suppress host immunity. SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro), as an important coronavirus enzyme, regulates viral spread and innate immune responses. SCoV-2 PLpro is multifunctional enzyme with deubiquitinating (DUB) and deISGylating activity. The PLpro can interact with key regulators in signalling pathways such as STING, NF-κB, cytokine production, MAPK and TGF-ß and hijack those to block the immune responses. Therefore, the PLpro can be as an important target for the treatment of COVID-19. Until now, several drugs or compounds have been identified that can inhibit PLpro activity. Here we discuss about the dysregulation effects of PLpro on immune system and drugs that have potential inhibitors for SCoV-2 PLpro.

Prevalence and Seasonal Frequency of acute viral gastroenteritis in children less than 5 years in Ilam, Iran

Background: Acute viral gastroenteritis is a major source of morbidity and mortality in young children. The purpose of the study was to investigate the frequency and cause of acute gastroenteritis in children admitted to the Ilam hospital in Iran. Materials and Methods: 103 children suffering from acute diarrhea suspected of viral infections were included. Stool samples were collected and the prevalence rate of common viruses such as Rotavirus, Norovirus G1/G11, Astrovirus, Sapovirus, Adenovirus (multiplex) Picornavirus, Picobirnavirus, Torovirus, Bocavirus, and Coronavirus was determined by multiplex PCR- based, and Monoplex assay. Results: The viruses that cause the symptoms, were detected in 37 out of the 103 cases, that 2 cases were found to be co-infection. Rotavirus was detected in 17/103 Norovirus, in 13/103, Astrovirus, in 4/103, and Adenovirus, in 3/103. The percentage of Norovirus genogroups 1 and 11 were 15.4% and 84.6%, respectively. We could not detect any virus in winter. Conclusions: The viral etiology was confirmed in about one-third of the subjects. Rotavirus was the most frequently detected virus.