Immunoinformatics-based design of a multi-epitope mRNA vaccine candidate targeting the major human-infecting hepatitis E virus genotypes 1-4

Background

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the leading causes of acute and chronic hepatitis among humans across the globe and is linked to severe diseases in immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women. Despite its substantial global burden, only one vaccine is licensed (in China and Pakistan), limiting its global accessibility. Furthermore, no globally approved mRNA vaccine against HEV is currently available, highlighting the need to develop strategies for alternative vaccines.