In silico Comparison of Structural Features and Predicted Epitopes of Envelope Protein of Zika Virus with the Homologous Proteins of Two Closely Related Viruses

Introduction: Of recent, Zika virus (ZIKV) has spread worldwide apart from its original geographical zone (Federated States of Micronesia). Investigations prove a relationship between ZIKV and microcephaly in newborn babies. Research on the essential proteins of this virus may help in preventing its epidemic. Methods: Herein, the in silico study for envelope protein of ZIKV and two other viruses, that is, dengue virus (DENV) and Spondweni virus (SPOV), was carried out. In the present study, the essential structural properties of the envelope protein of ZIKV were predicted using the bioinformatics tools such as PseAAC, GOR IV, BCPREDS, MHCPred, DiANNA, GlycoEP, and MEGA. Results: Envelope protein of ZIKV shares certain common features with DENV and SPOV. But our results show that ZIKV has similar structural features as SPOV in comparison to DENV. Conclusion: By understanding the differences and similarities in these viruses, we may find an appropriate treatment for ZIKV. Also, finding the effectively shared epitopes between the similar viruses could help in finding a common vaccine between these viruses.