Abstract

MERINO-CHARREZ, José Octavio; GOMEZ-ROMERO, Ninnet; BARRERA-MOLINA, Ivette  and  LAGUNES-QUINTANILLA, Rodolfo. In silico analysis of the subolesin gene as a possible vaccine against Rhipicephalus microplus ticks. Ecosistemas y recur. agropecuarios [online]. 2019, vol.6, n.16, pp.129-136.  Epub Oct 01, 2019. ISSN 2007-901X.  https://doi.org/10.19136/era.a6n16.1832.

The objective was to use bioinformatic strategies to predict antigenic properties of interest of the subolesin gene, as well as to carry out phylogenetic constructions to identify the relationship that exists between the geographic isolates of ticks reported in the world. The subolesin gene has 98% identity among the different Rhipicephalus microplus tick isolates, while among different genera (Ixodes spp., Amblyomma spp., Hyalomma spp.) it has a lower degree of identity (77%). Four linear epitopes of B cells conserved in different tick species were detected. Analysis of the secondary structure of the Subolesin protein showed two α-helixes, three coil regions and no folded β. Of the predicted epitopes, their immuno-protective ability must be demonstrated for the development of an effective immunogen against R. microplus tick populations.

Keywords : Bioinformatics; ectoparasites; phylogeny; immunogen; Rhipicephalus microplus.