Desarrollo de una plataforma vacunal para el control de enfermedades virales aviares en Ecuador

Abstract

CONDITION FOR PROJECT PUBLICATION. Avian influenza H5N1 poses a critical threat to food security and biodiversity in Ecuador, highlighting the need for more effective and easily administered prophylactic tools. This study presents the in silico design of a modular probiotic vaccine platform using genetically modified Lactococcus lactis for the expression of conserved viral antigens. Methodologically, consensus sequences of neuraminidase, hemagglutinin, and the matrix 2 ectodomain (M2e) were selected through molecular phylogenetic analysis. Optimized expression vectors were constructed, and three-dimensional protein folding was validated using AlphaFold and molecular dynamics simulations. Additionally, a deterministic mathematical model was implemented to simulate and optimize the production kinetics of the Nisin-Controlled Expression (NICE) inducible system. The results demonstrated a high degree of viral genetic conservation within the region, supporting a regional vaccine approach. Structural predictions confirmed the stability and proper surface exposure of the chimeric epitopes on the bacterial surface. Furthermore, the mathematical model identified an operational nisin dose significantly lower than the conventional standard, thereby maximizing bioprocess efficiency. It is concluded that the proposed probiotic platform is theoretically feasible, safe, and adaptable, representing a promising and cost-effective strategy to mitigate the impact of emerging viral diseases in Ecuador's poultry sector. Lactococcus lactis, Bioinformatics, Synthetic Biology, Mathematical Modeling.