In-silico analysis of recombinant protein vaccines based on the spike protein of Indonesian SARS-CoV-2 through a reverse vaccinology approach

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to produce a recombinant protein vaccine candidate based on an epitope of spike protein from Indonesian SARS-CoV-2 to provide immunogenicity and protection against future infection. METHODS: A reverse vaccinology approach was used to identify potential vaccine candidates by screening the pathogen's genome through computational analyses. RESULTS: Epitope vaccine candidates with the amino acid sequence of FKNHTSPDV were selected. This peptide is hydrophilic, does not induce autoimmune and allergic reactions, is antigenic, is classified as a stable protein, and is predicted to be present in the cell membrane. The selected epitope sequences were inserted into the plasmid vector pcDNA3.1(+) N-GST (thrombin). Inclusion of additional features of the gene encoding glutathione-S transferase, which can increase antigen expression and solubility, and the genes encoding NSP 1–4 proteins, which are essential in replication, added value to the produced recombinant protein. CONCLUSION: Recombinant protein vaccine candidates with the FKNHTSPDV epitope have parameters sufficient for production on a laboratory scale for further testing.