Genetic diversity in Ebola virus: Phylogenetic and in silico structural studies of Ebola viral proteins

Objective: To explore the genetic diversity and the modification of antibody response in the recent outbreak of Ebola Virus. Methods: Sequences retrieved from public databases, the selective pressure analysis and the homology modeling based on the all protein (nucleoprotein, VP35, VP40, soluble glycoprotein, small soluble glycoprotein, VP30, VP24 and polymerase) were used. Results: Structural proteins VP24, VP30, VP35 and VP40 showed relative conserved sequences making them suitable target candidates for antiviral treatment. On the contrary, nucleoprotein, polymerase and soluble glycoprotein have high mutation frequency. Conclusions: Data from this study point out important aspects of Ebola virus sequence variability that for epitope and vaccine design should be considered for appropriate targeting of conserved protein regions. © 2016 Hainan Medical College.