Identification of novel putative immunogenic targets and construction of a multi-epitope vaccine against multidrug-resistant Corynebacterium jeikeium using reverse vaccinology approach.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant Corynebacterium jeikeium has limited treatment options and resulted in the inability to treat C. jeikeium infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. To our knowledge, no studies have been conducted to evaluate C. jeikeium antigens for vaccine development. Given the lack of effective treatments against C. jeikeium, this study aimed to identify potential immunogenic targets against C. jeikeium as a nosocomial pathogen using a reverse vaccinology approach. To achieve this goal, we performed several immuninformatics analyses, including antigenicity, allergenicity, PSI-BLAST to the human proteome, physiochemical properties, B-cell and T-cell epitopes, molecular docking, and immunosimulation. In addition, quartile scoring and prevalence assessment were used to select the most abundant immunogenic targets in different C. jeikeium strains. Finally, protein-protein interactions were performed and the multi-epitope vaccine was developed. Five putative immunogenic targets were presented as short-listed proteins in this study, including three enzymatic proteins (WP_011273969.1, WP_041626322.1, and WP_005292204.1), one protein with DUF3235 domain (WP_011273103.1), and one hypothetical protein (WP_005293648.1). Four linear B-cell epitopes of putative immunogenic targets, including WP_011273103.1 (LNSKPTPRNAAAKPKAK), WP_011273969.1 (GEGAQGSAAPADAQATANE), WP_005292204.1 (ASVSAAQKADGIAP), and WP_041626322.1 (YSKKVAEEMGVG) were selected and inserted into the mutant TbpB C-lobe protein. This platform can effectively present multiple epitopes to the immune system. However, experimental in vitro and in vivo analysis is required to confirm the safety, immunoreactivity, and efficacy of these putative immunogenic targets.

Effect of Short-term Exercise on Appetite, Energy Intake and Energy-regulating Hormones.

UNLABELLED: Objective(s) : The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of short-term aerobic exercise on energy intake, appetite and energy-regulating hormones in free-living men and women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen (eight men, eight women) sedentary young normal weight subjects participated in two experimental conditions with two days apart: five days control with no exercise, and five days exercise (55% MHRR for 45 min/day). Subjects recorded dietary intake using a food diary and self-weighed intake during each five days. Appetite questionnaire (visual analogue scale) was completed each morning in the fasted state. Blood samples were taken in the morning on the 6th day in fasting status after control and exercise conditions. RESULTS: No significant changes were found in absolute energy intake, appetite rate and level of acylated ghrelin and leptin between conditions in both sexes. In women, insulin concentration decreased significantly after exercise. Relative energy intake was significantly lower after exercise in men. On average, women compensated for about 23% of the exercise-induced energy deficit but men did not (-10%). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that low-intensity exercise for five consecutive days cannot create a negative energy balance in women. It seems that women are more resistant to exercise-induced energy deficit.