A novel in silico construction of a DNA vaccine expressing broad-spectrum CD8 T-cell multi-epitope antigen against high-risk human papillomavirus infection

Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, which is mainly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccines against HPV are available, inducing a strong humoral response against some, but not all, of the high-risk HPV types. Therefore, it is important that vaccines with a broader spectrum of protection against all high-risk HPVs are developed. Thus, this study aimed to develop a multi-epitope vaccine based on CD8 T-cell epitopes that have been shown to be immunogenic for broad-spectrum cell-mediated immunity against high-risk HPVs. The antigen was constructed by joining the epitopes with linkers and adjuvants. In silico cloning of the multi-epitope vaccine was performed, and its stability and functionality were validated by molecular docking simulations. The vaccine was observed to be stable, non-allergenic, presenting a potential antigenicity score and strong binding to TLR4, indicating its viability as a vaccine against HPV, both for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. • We combine conserved regions of the high-risk HPV types. • The vaccine is composed of epitopes from E1, E6, L1 and L2 proteins. • The vaccine shows a non-allergen, stable and antigenic nature. • The multi epitope could be used for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.