In silico Identification of Cell Surface Antigens in Neisseria meningitidis

Neisseria meningitidis is responsible for the endemic situations worldwide. Several strains developed resistance for ciprofloxacin and undoubtedly situation is alarming and asks for the vaccination along with therapeutic approach. In our study, we have attempted to search for the cell surface antigens by employing the concept of reverse vaccinology in search for better vaccine leads. N. meningitidis genome was searched for putative lipoproteins and cell wall anchored proteins using SignalP 3.0, LipoP 1.0, TMHMM and FUZZPRO servers. In total, 142 proteins were sorted as vaccine candidates based on predicted properties of lipoproteins and cell wall anchored proteins. Study showcased a methodology for searching potent vaccine leads which could be involved further in vaccine development.