In silico development of a novel anti-mutation, multi-epitope mRNA vaccine against MPXV variants of emerging lineage and sub-lineages by using immunoinformatics approaches.

Over the past year, an unexpected surge in human monkeypox (hMPX) cases has been observed. This outbreak differs from previous ones, displaying distinct epidemiological characteristics and transmission patterns, believed to be influenced by a newly emerging monkeypox virus (MPXV) lineage. Notably, this emerging MPXV lineage has exhibited several non-synonymous mutations, some of which are linked to immunomodulatory activities and antigenic characteristics that aid in host detection. However, specific treatments or vaccines for human monkeypox are currently lacking. Hence, we aim to develop a multi-epitope mRNA vaccine by using immunoinformatics approaches against the MPXV, particularly its emerging variants. Six proteins (A29L, A35R, B6R, M1R, H3L, and E8L) were chosen for epitope and mutation site identification. Seventeen top-performing epitopes and eight epitopes containing mutation sites were selected and combined with adjuvants, the PADRE sequence, and linkers for vaccine development. The molecular and physical properties of the designed vaccine (WLmpx) were favorable. Immunological characteristics of WLmpx were assessed through molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and immune simulations. Finally, the vaccine sequence was utilized to formulate an mRNA-based vaccine. The informatics-based predicted results indicated that the designed vaccine exhibits significant potential in eliciting high-level humoral and cellular immune responses, but further validation through in vivo and vitro studies is warranted.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Anti-tumor and Anti-mutation Effects of Shenlian Granules / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To study the anti-tumor and anti-mutation effects of Shenlian granules. METHODS:The anti-mutation effect of Shenlian granules was tested by marrow cell micronucleus test and didymus chromosomal aberration test in mice, and the inhibitory effect of which on S180 and H22 grafting tumor was invesgated as well. RESULTS:Shenlian granules showed significant inhibitory effect on mutation of marrow cell micronucleus caused by cyclophosphamide and aberration of didymus chromosomal cell of mice caused by mitomycin as well as grafting tumor growth of S180 and H22. CONCLUSION:Shenlian granules can prevent DNA of both body cells and germ cells from damage but also inhibit grafting tumor growth in mice.