Date of Publication

4-2025

Document Type

Dissertation/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

Frances C. Recuenco

Defense Panel Chair

Mariquit De Los Reyes

Defense Panel Member

Thaddeus M. Carvajal
Kris Lord Santos

Abstract/Summary

Taeniasis is a parasitic infection caused by Taenia species, namely Taenia solium (pork tapeworm) and Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm). This infection can present great health risks and is prevalent in different regions, such as Latin America, Eastern Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, India, and Asia. A host can be infected by consuming raw or undercooked beef or pork. This study aims to identify protein antigens from the Taenia species itself that may have potential immunogenic effects against Taenia infection. The researchers used in silico methodologies for this study and integrated multiple tests such as cellular localization, prediction of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes, helper T-lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes, linear B-cell epitopes, antigenicity assessment, and allergenicity assessment. Researchers identified a total of ten protein antigens, five for Taenia solium and five for Taenia saginata, all retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. Results indicate two protein antigen candidates that showed great immunogenic potential, specifically “18 kDa oncosphere antigen” taken from Taenia solium and “Tovis13” taken from Taenia saginata. The construction of the multi-epitope vaccine sequence is done with the use of linkers. A GPGPG linker connects the linear B-cell and HTL epitopes, while an AAY linker connects the CTL epitopes. Additionally, toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), was chosen as the adjuvant to enhance the efficacy of the vaccine. The researchers recommend integrating in vitro experiments to further validate the antigenicity and immunogenicity of the protein antigens, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), western blot analysis, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) stimulation assays. Advanced in silico methods may also be performed as these remain efficient, cost-effective, and highly scalable in finding viable vaccine candidates. With the application of genomic, proteomic, and immunoinformatics data, the use of bioinformatics databases and online platforms improves the robustness of vaccine design.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Antigens—Analysis; Tapeworm infections

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Embargo Period

4-13-2026

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Available for download on Monday, April 13, 2026

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