In Silico Analysis of the Antigenic Properties of Norovirus GII.4 Sydney [P16] VP1 Protein

Norovirus infection is a leading cause of non-bacterial acute gastroenteritis. This study aimed to analyze the antigenic properties of the VP1 protein of norovirus GII.4 Sydney [P16] circulating in Russia. The analysis was conducted using in silico methods. VP1 amino acid sequence data was used to identify T-helper and T-killer epitopes, linear and conformational B-cell epitopes to assess the conservation of epitopes, and allergenicity of VP1. T cell epitopes with the highest estimated immunogenicity were identified at positions 207-223 and 378-394 in the S- and P-domains of the protein. The tertiary structure of VP1 was modeled, and 2 linear and 47 conformational B-cell epitopes were identified. In addition to the previously described epitopes, a new putative B-cell epitope was identified at position 307-316 of the P2 subdomain. In silico analysis of the primary and tertiary structure of the norovirus VP1 protein showed that it is not allergenic and has various immunogenic epitopes, potentially capable of inducing T- and B-cell immune responses.