Homology Modeling and Epitope Prediction of NadA as a Potential Vaccine Candidate in .

is a facultative pathogen bacterium which is well founded with a number of adhesion molecules to facilitate its colonization in human nasopharynx track. is a major cause of mortality from severe meningococcal disease and septicemia. adhesion, NadA, is a trimeric autotransporter adhesion molecule which is involved in cell adhesion, invasion, and antibody induction. It is identified in approximately 50% of isolates, and is established as a vaccine candidate due to its antigenic effects. In the present study, we exploited bioinformatics tools to better understand and determine the 3D structure of NadA and its functional residues to select B cell epitopes, and provide information for elucidating the biological function and vaccine efficacy of NadA. Therefore, this study provided essential data to close gaps existing in biological areas. The most appropriate model of NadA was designed by SWISS MODEL software and important residues were determined using the subsequent epitope mapping procedures. Locations of important linear and conformational epitopes were determined and conserved residues were identified to broaden our knowledge of efficient vaccine design to reduce meningococcal infectioun in population. These data now provide a theme to design more broadly cross-protective antigens.