Genetic evolution analysis of SARS-CoV-2 ORF 1ab/S/M protein and screening of epitopes of mRNA vaccine / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the genetic and evolutionary properties of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ORF 1ab/S/M proteins and select antigen epitope sequences of mRNA vaccines. Methods: We analyzed the worldwide SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences in this study and have focused on the protein and nucleic acid sequences of the ORF 1ab/S/M. The neighbor-joining tree was employed to map the global distribution of genetic differences. Based on current research on SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-2 genetic differences, we predicted candidate mRNA vaccines for SARS-CoV-2. Results: The SARS-CoV-2 ORF 1ab nucleic acid sequence similarity is 100.0%, while the homology is 99.3% in the global hot region; the S-protein nucleic acid sequence similarity is 100.0%, while the homology is 97.5%; the M-protein nucleic acid sequence similarity is 100.0%, while the homology is 99.9%. Global distribution of ORF 1ab/S/M proteins indicates that there is a significant genetic difference between the Americas and Eurasia. Potential vaccine antigen epitope mRNA sequences (11 B cell responses and 13 T cell responses) were selected for SARS-CoV-2 ORF 1ab protein; 6 B cell responses and 4 T cell responses antigen epitope mRNA sequences were selected for the Spike protein; 3 B cell responses and 7 T cell responses antigen epitope mRNA sequences were selected for the membrane protein. Conclusion: There are significant genetic differences in the global hot spot of SARS-CoV-2 in the Americas and Eurasia. Through our new antigen design strategy to screen linear epitopes, we predicted many sequences in ORF 1ab/S/M coding region that potentially raising an immune response. Our study will benefit the discovery of the mRNA vaccine (tandem antigen epitope sequence), antibody discovery, and potentially understanding related immune mechanisms.