Development of a Multi-Epitope Peptide Vaccine Against Monkeypox Virus: Immunoinformatics Analysis for South East Asian HLA Alleles

Authors

Nelson Chandra, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences, Jakarta 13210, Indonesia
Mochammad Aqilah Herdiansyah, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60286, Indonesia
Viol Dhea Kharisma, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60286, Indonesia
Arif Nur Muhammad Ansori, Drug and Vaccine Innovation Research Group, Virtual Research Center for Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Surabaya 60493, IndonesiaFollow
Arli Aditya Parikesit, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences, Jakarta 13210, IndonesiaFollow

Abstract

The monkeypox virus (MPXV), a DNA virus causing zoonotic disease, poses major global public health challenges, with mortality rates between 3%–6%. Although smallpox vaccines provide partial cross-protection, there is a critical need for a dedicated, effective monkeypox (mpox) vaccine. This study aimed to design a multi-epitope peptide-based vaccine specifically adapted to the HLA allele profiles common in Southeast Asian populations, where MPXV cases are rising. Using immunoinformatics, we screened for and detected B and T cell epitopes from the MPXV cell surface antigen and IFN-alpha/beta receptor proteins. The vaccine design was validated through a rigorous evaluation of its antigenicity, immunogenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity to ensure both safety and efficacy. Key epitopes were mapped to HLA alleles including HLA-A*11:01, HLA-A*24:02, and HLA-B*15:02, which are highly prevalent in Southeast Asia populations. Molecular docking analyses demonstrated stable interactions between the vaccine construct and TLR3/TLR4 immune receptors, suggesting a robust immune response activation. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the structural stability of the vaccine-receptor complex. This immunoinformatics-driven multi-epitope vaccine design offers a promising candidate for combating MPXV, with high projected coverage and immuno-genic potential for Southeast Asian populations. Validation in laboratory and clinical settings is recommended to con-firm these findings.

Recommended Citation

Chandra, Nelson; Herdiansyah, Mochammad Aqilah; Kharisma, Viol Dhea; Ansori, Arif Nur Muhammad; and Parikesit, Arli Aditya (2025) "Development of a Multi-Epitope Peptide Vaccine Against Monkeypox Virus: Immunoinformatics Analysis for South East Asian HLA Alleles," Makara Journal of Science: Vol. 29: Iss. 1, Article 6.
DOI: 10.7454/mss.v29i1.2475
Available at: https://scholarhub.ui.ac.id/science/vol29/iss1/6