IDENTIFYING KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE VACCINE CANDIDATES THROUGH PAN-GENOMICS

Abstract

The rise of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains and the lack of licensed vaccines highlight the urgent need for effective immunization strategies. The pan-genome analysis was performed to find out the core proteins of K. pneumoniae using reverse vaccinology approaches. Selected core proteins based on subcellular localization, antigenicity, transmembrane features, and physicochemical properties help to identify potential vaccine candidates. Pan-genomic analysis of 154 complete K. pneumoniae proteomes revealed 15,319 protein families, of which 3,864 were classified as core proteins, reflecting the extensive genetic diversity of the species. Eight proteins involved in drug efflux, toxin export, small molecule diffusion, and bacterial adhesion (pilus assembly). Among these, three proteins involved in drug efflux and toxin export, four proteins involved in facilitating the passive diffusion of small molecules, one outer membrane protein involved in pilus assembly and bacterial adhesion. 3D structures of candidates were experimentally confirmed. The identified epitopes were predicted to be on the protein's surface and capable of MHC I and II binding, suggesting they could initiate an immune response. The identified epitopes suggest the feasibility of developing peptide-based vaccines. By integrating methods, we can create a peptide antigen library for broad or multiple K. pneumoniae vaccines. Keywords: Klebsiella pneumoniae. pan-genomics. reverse vaccinology. potential vaccine candidates. epitopes