Broad-Spectrum Multi-Epitope Design Targeting Conserved Hantavirus Glycoproteins (Gn/Gc): Chimeric Antigen Engineering and Structural Mapping

Abstract

Hantaviruses, the etiological agents of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), represent a high-risk zoonotic threat with substantial global health impact. Currently, there is no FDA-approved vaccine. The viral surface glycoprotein (GP) is crucial for host cell entry and is regarded as a key target for vaccine development. However, its variability among hantavirus species limits the effectiveness of conventional vaccine strategies. Epitope-based vaccines offer a promising alternative by enabling the design of broadly protective constructs. In this study, we applied immunoinformatics approaches to design a universal multi-epitope vaccine candidate targeting both HFRS- and HPS-associated hantaviruses through a multi-layered workflow integrating B-cell and T-cell epitope prediction, antigenicity scoring, IFN-γ induction potential, conservation analysis, and population coverage assessment. Viral GPs from SEOV, PUUV, SNV, and ANDV were analyzed using algorithms for B-cell and T-cell epitope prediction. Predicted epitopes were assessed for allergenicity, toxicity, conservation, and population coverage. Two vaccine constructs incorporating β-defensin or 50S ribosomal protein L7/L12 as adjuvants were assessed for physicochemical properties, structural stability and immunogenic potential. Molecular docking analyses provided exploratory ectodomain-compatibility screening, suggesting potential interactions with TLR4 that require future experimental confirmation. The in silico immune simulations suggested potential robust and long-lasting responses with memory cell persistence exceeding one year. Simulations also indicated balanced humoral and cellular responses, robust antibody production, and long-term memory formation suggestive of durable protective immunity. These findings support the rational design of broad-spectrum multi-epitope vaccines against genetically diverse hantaviruses, offering a rational framework for preclinical development of next-generation universal vaccines against hantavirus-associated diseases.