[On-line analysis of T and B cell epitopes of α-crystallin (Rv2031c) derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis].

Objective To predict the epitopes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis dormancy-related protein α-crystallin (Rv2031c). Methods The homology between Rv2031c and human proteins was analyzed online by BLAST alignment. B- and T-cell epitopes of Rv2031c were predicted by Protean of DNAStar software. RANKPEP and SYPEPITHI were used to predict the epitopes of T helper (Th) cells; while SYFPEPI, BIMAS, and NetCTL were used to predict the epitopes of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Results Rv2031c had low homology with human proteins. Eight potential epitopes of B-cells, 7 epitopes of Th cells and 3 epitopes of CTLs were predicted in Rv2031c. Conclusion Rv2031c, which has many potential epitopes of Th cells, CTLs and B-cells, is expected to be a promising candidate for the development of tuberculosis vaccines.