In-silico approach to DNA codon optimization of Zaire Ebola Virus Genes for Vaccine Development

Ebola Virus is the causative agent of one of the longest known pandemics Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in history of deadly outbreaks with a zoonotic origin. EVD outbreaks originate through zoonotic transmission, spread within humans via direct or indirect contact with contaminated bodily fluids. With a high mortality rate, EBOV has created havoc in Middle African countries. To curb such pandemics, a strong immunogenic vaccine is always a problem which can be solved by Codon Optimization. In the present study, tools available online were used to optimize all the seven protein coding genes of EBOV. A significant increase in the Codon adaptation Index (CAI) and GC content was observed along with a considerable decrease in ENC values as compared to the wild type strain. Our results demonstrate that the optimized genes other than GP can be beneficial for elevated translation of target proteins in the host and also helpful in increasing the immunogenic response.