Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research

The Korean Vaccine Society (대한백신학회)
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Insights into structural vaccinology harnessed for universal coronavirus vaccine development

  • Chin Peng Lim (School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia) ;
  • Chiuan Herng Leow (Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia) ;
  • Hui Ting Lim (Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia) ;
  • Boon Hui Kok (Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia) ;
  • Candy Chuah (Faculty of Medicine, Asian Institute of Medical Science and Technology University) ;
  • Jonas Ivan Nobre Oliveira (Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Bioscience Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte) ;
  • Malcolm Jones (School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland) ;
  • Chiuan Yee Leow (School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia)
  • Received : 2024.04.07
  • Accepted : 2024.05.15
  • Published : 2024.07.31
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Abstract

Structural vaccinology is pivotal in expediting vaccine design through high-throughput screening of immunogenic antigens. Leveraging the structural and functional characteristics of antigens and immune cell receptors, this approach employs protein structural comparison to identify conserved patterns in key pathogenic components. Molecular modeling techniques, including homology modeling and molecular docking, analyze specific three-dimensional (3D) structures and protein interactions and offer valuable insights into the 3D interactions and binding affinity between vaccine candidates and target proteins. In this review, we delve into the utilization of various immunoinformatics and molecular modeling tools to streamline the development of broad-protective vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 variants. Structural vaccinology significantly enhances our understanding of molecular interactions between hosts and pathogens. By accelerating the pace of developing effective and targeted vaccines, particularly against the rapidly mutating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and other prevalent infectious diseases, this approach stands at the forefront of advancing immunization strategies. The combination of computational techniques and structural insights not only facilitates the identification of potential vaccine candidates but also contributes to the rational design of vaccines, fostering a more efficient and targeted approach to combatting infectious diseases.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors acknowledge the funding support provided for this work by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia for Fundamental Research Grant Scheme with Project Code: FRGS/1/2022/SKK0/USM/02/5 and FRGS/1/2021/SKK06/USM/02/12.

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