Research Article
In-silico Vaccine Candidate Peptides Against Urinary Tract Infection in Humans Using Uropathogenic Escherichia
Coli-Uti89 Strain
Gul Zaib*
,
Saira Javed
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
38-56
Received:
16 July 2026
Accepted:
31 July 2026
Published:
28 September 2026
Abstract: The rising antibiotic resistance of UPEC strains highlights the need for alternate preventive measures for urinary tract infections (UTIs) brought on by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strain Uti89. This in silico study (2022-25) used a subtractive genomics-based reverse vaccinology approach; data extraction, protein analysis, epitope prediction, docking analysis, protein-ligand complexes, molecular dynamics, Human immune simulation, fragment Inserted in vector (pET-28a (+) were all steps in the study's multi-step methodology to find a potential vaccine candidate against UTIs. 3,840 non-homologous proteins unique to UPEC-UTI89 were found by extracting data from databases. The pathogen's essential genes were identified, and predict on the bases of subcellular localization assisted in choosing among membrane-related proteins that would make good vaccine targets. Seventy-one (71) proteins were identified through antigenic analysis as potential vaccine candidates. 7 outer membrane proteins with potential vaccine properties were found through screening and shortlisted for vaccine construction. Investigation of the metabolic pathways in UPEC-UTI89 revealed both typical and unusual pathways. Several tools were used to predict epitopes for B-cell and T-cell immune responses. MHC-I and MHC-II cluster analyses were carried out to confirm the prediction of potential epitopes. The resulting epitopes demonstrated potential for eliciting a powerful immune reaction against UTIs brought on by UPEC UTI89. By identifying potential vaccine targets and epitopes using subtractive genomics and reverse vaccination approach, this in silico study aids ongoing efforts to develop an effective UTI vaccine. The resulting epitopes demonstrated potential for eliciting a powerful immune reaction against UTIs brought on by UPEC UTI89.
Abstract: The rising antibiotic resistance of UPEC strains highlights the need for alternate preventive measures for urinary tract infections (UTIs) brought on by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strain Uti89. This in silico study (2022-25) used a subtractive genomics-based reverse vaccinology approach; data extraction, protein analysis, epitope predict...
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Review Article
The Science of Advancing Gut Comfort, Immune Function, and Healthy Bone and Muscle Development Through the Synergistic Benefits of GOS and Lactobacillus Reuteri
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
57-64
Received:
30 September 2026
Accepted:
14 October 2026
Published:
28 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.iji.20261402.12
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Abstract: Early childhood represents a foundational phase of human development, marked by rapid physical growth, progressive maturation of the gastrointestinal system, immune system development, and establishment of metabolic processes. During this sensitive period, efficient digestion, optimal nutrient absorption, and maintenance of gastrointestinal comfort are essential for achieving healthy growth patterns and supporting long-term health outcomes. Increasing scientific evidence indicates that the gut microbiota serves as a central mediator linking dietary components with digestive function, immune regulation, metabolic activity, and overall developmental processes. Among nutritional strategies designed to promote intestinal health, synbiotics—the combination of prebiotics and probiotics—have gained considerable attention due to their potential synergistic effects. Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), a functional prebiotic carbohydrate structurally similar to certain components of human milk oligosaccharides, selectively promotes the proliferation and metabolic activity of beneficial microorganisms, particularly Bifidobacterium species. Through modulation of microbial composition, GOS contributes to improved intestinal ecosystem stability, enhanced epithelial barrier function, and increased generation of beneficial microbial-derived metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which participate in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Lactobacillus reuteri, a well-characterized probiotic strain with established presence in the human gastrointestinal environment, contributes to microbial balance through multiple biological mechanisms. These include suppression of potentially harmful microorganisms through competitive exclusion, regulation of intestinal immune responses, enhancement of mucosal integrity, and support of a stable microbial environment. When combined with GOS, L. reuteri may provide complementary advantages by supplying beneficial bacteria while simultaneously creating a favorable nutritional environment that facilitates their activity and persistence. Research investigating GOS and L. reuteri-based synbiotic approaches has demonstrated potential benefits for improving digestive tolerance, reducing gastrointestinal discomfort, and alleviating common infant symptoms such as colic and regurgitation. However, the influence of gut-directed nutritional strategies extends beyond gastrointestinal outcomes. The gut microbiota has increasingly been recognized as an important contributor to systemic development through its effects on nutrient utilization, mineral metabolism, inflammatory pathways, and metabolic signaling networks. The interaction between intestinal microorganisms and host physiology may therefore influence processes associated with bone mineralization, muscle development, and overall physical growth during early life. By supporting digestive efficiency and improving the availability of essential nutrients, synbiotics may contribute indirectly to optimal skeletal and muscular development.
Abstract: Early childhood represents a foundational phase of human development, marked by rapid physical growth, progressive maturation of the gastrointestinal system, immune system development, and establishment of metabolic processes. During this sensitive period, efficient digestion, optimal nutrient absorption, and maintenance of gastrointestinal comfort...
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