Dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) co-infection poses a growing challenge in regions where both arboviruses co-circulate, highlighting the need for integrated vaccine strategies. Here, we designed a multi-epitope subunit vaccine candidate targeting conserved regions of the DENV NS1 protein and the CHIKV NSP1 protein using an immunoinformatics-based approach. Conserved CTL, HTL, and B-cell epitopes were selected on the basis of antigenicity, safety-related screening, and population coverage, then assembled with immunologically appropriate linkers and an N-terminal human β-defensin-2 adjuvant. The construct displayed favourable physicochemical features and acceptable structural quality after three-dimensional modeling and validation. Docking analysis indicated stable interaction with human TLR4, which was further examined by normal-mode analysis and 100-ns all-atom molecular dynamics simulations performed in AMBER v24 with the ff19SB force field. Trajectory analyses supported conformational stability of the vaccine-TLR4 complex, and MM/GBSA calculations suggested favourable binding energetics. Codon optimization supported expression feasibility in the E. coli pET-28a(+) system. In silico immune simulation further predicted induction of both humoral and cellular immune responses, with increased antibody production and immune-memory development. These results support the proposed construct as a rational candidate for further experimental evaluation toward a vaccine strategy against DENV-CHIKV co-infection.
Sadeeq Ullah, Junhong Xie, Caixia Guo et al.· Journal of Genetic Engineeri...· 0 citations
This research paper presents a compact wideband Dual-Polarized Antenna Element (W-DPAE) in a linear array configuration, specifically developed for Wi-Fi 8 applications operating within the 5.9-7.1 GHz band. The proposed design employs a multilayer structure that includes a radiating patch and a slotted ground, where aperture slots are arranged orthogonally, along with a Rohacell spacer of low permittivity that plays a significant role in enhancing bandwidth and electromagnetic coupling. By arranging both transmission lines orthogonally, dual polarization is achieved with high port isolation and proper impedance matching. All design parameters are carefully optimized to ensure stable radiation, wider bandwidth, and effective impedance matching over the operating frequency range. Without involving complex structures, stacked patches, or increasing the overall size, this single element achieves wideband dual polarization. Furthermore, for higher gain (dB) and capacity demands of next-generation wireless communication, the single element is extended to a $1 \times 4$ linear array using full-wave simulation in CST Microwave Studio Suite. The simulated results show that the $1 \times 4$ array achieves a gain of approximately 9 dBi for vertical polarization and 8 dBi for horizontal polarization. The proposed design is validated using CST Microwave Studio Suite, and its equivalent circuit model is developed using the Advanced Design System (ADS) simulator. The proposed antenna system offers compact implementation for user devices and high-gain array configurations for infrastructure, showing strong potential for next-generation Wi-Fi 8 networks demanding high data rates, improved connectivity, and spectral efficiency.
Hizbullah Khan, Pakeeza Sultan, Muhammad Ayaz et al.· 2026 IEEE International Conf...· 0 citations
