Date of Publication

3-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology

Subject Categories

Immunology and Infectious Disease

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Jubert C. Marquez

Defense Panel Chair

Mariquit M. De Los Reyes

Defense Panel Member

Florabelle D. Querubin

Abstract (English)

Toxocara canis is a zoonotic parasitic nematode that primarily infects dogs and can cause toxocariasis in humans, particularly children. Despite deworming efforts, its persistent environmental transmission highlights the need for a preventive vaccine. However, no commercial vaccine exists, and traditional approaches have been limited in success. This study addresses this gap by using an in silico bioinformatics approach to identify potential subunit vaccine candidates from T. canis proteins. The study focused on three proteins—Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF), TES26, and MUC3—selected based on literature evidence and antigenicity scores. Epitope prediction was performed using IEDB BepiPred 2.0, and domain relevance was assessed through InterPro. Structural models were generated using AlphaFold and SwissModel, and molecular docking simulations were conducted via DockThor against human and canine immune receptors, including CD74, HLA-DRB1, and DLA-DRB1. TES26 emerged as the most promising candidate, with Epitope 6 and Epitope 8 showing strong, stable binding to canine MHC-II (DLA-DRB1), supported by favorable van der Waals and electrostatic interactions. MUC3 also exhibited surface-exposed epitopes with potential for helper T-cell activation. Although MIF demonstrated strong receptor binding, its similarity to host cytokines raises concerns about immune tolerance and potential autoimmunity. This study is limited to computational prediction and lacks in vitro or in vivo validation. Nonetheless, the findings provide a foundation for future experimental studies and support TES26—particularly Epitope 6 and Epitope 8—as lead candidates for subunit vaccine development against T. canis infection.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

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Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Toxocara; Bioinformatics; Vaccines

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Embargo Period

8-16-2026

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Available for download on Sunday, August 16, 2026

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