A novel therapeutic multiepitope vaccine based on oncoprotein E6 and E7 of HPV 16 and 18: An in silico approach

Introduction: The current vaccine strategies to prevent cervical cancer are effective only for individuals unexposed to HPV, lacking therapeutic effects against pre-existing infections. Multiepitope vaccines, using an immunoinformatic approach, are promising against tumors and viral infections because of their high specificity, safety, and stability, as well as the cheap cost of development. Methods: This study employed computer-based immunoinformatic analysis to design therapeutic multiepitope vaccines against cervical cancer using oncoproteins E6 and E7 of HPV 16 and 18. Several immunoinformatic tools were applied to analyze potential vaccine constructs capable of stimulating immune responses against both oncoproteins. Results: The constructed vaccine exhibited antigenic, immunogenic, nonallergenic, nontoxic, stable, and soluble characteristics. Additionally, it effectively interacted with TLR2 and TLR4, showing high binding capacity. Computational analysis indicated the vaccine could induce immune responses through the elevation of cytokine levels after the third injection, antibody production, activation of memory B and T cells, and promotion of increased dendritic cell counts. Conclusion: The novel multiepitope vaccine based on E6 and E7 presented as a promising candidate for combating HPV infections and associated cervical cancer. Further in vitro and in vivo studies were essential to validate the efficacy and safety of the vaccine.