Paper Title
An Immunoinformatic Approach towards Potent Multi-Epitope-Based Vaccine Design to Target Mycobacterium Abscessus

Abstract
Context M. abscessus complex is a group of rapidly growing, multidrug-resistant NTM species that are ubiquitous in soil and water (1),M.abscessushas recently emerged as a major threat to individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and other chronic lung conditions. Infection rates within the CF community are increasing globally, driven in part by indirect person-to-person transmission of M. abscessus.(2),It is also one of the mycobacteria that are most often isolated from cystic fibrosis patients. It is essential to differentiate this species from the formerly indistinct “M. chelonae-complex”, as chemotherapy is especially difficult in M. abscessussenso strictu. Clarithromycin or azithromycin are the only regular oral antimycobacterial agents with an effect on M. abscessus, and should preferably be supplemented with other drugs since long-term monotherapy may cause resistance.(3),. It is an uncommon cause of human disease, but it can cause skin and soft tissue infection after skin injury following inoculation, minor trauma and surgery. The single most important factor for determining the course and prognosis of a M. abscessus infection is the underlying immune status of the host.(4). To improve our understanding of M. abscessus complex infections, we reviewed the epidemiology and clinical features of and treatment and prevention measure for diseases causedby the organisms as well as the taxonomy and antimicrobial susceptibilities of these organisms.(5) Methods The species of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) that can cause disease in humans primarily include the Mycobacterium fortuitum group, the M. chelonae/abscessus group, and the M. smegmatis group. Key characteristics for identifying these groups include the presence of typical long-chain fatty acids known as mycolic acids, the formation of visible colonies within 7 days of primary isolation on various types of solid media, arylsulfatase activity detectable within 3 days or up to 2 weeks, and the absence or delayed appearance of pigmentation.(6)• Antimicrobial Resistance:M. abscessus exhibits intrinsic resistance to many antibiotics, including macrolides, aminoglycosides, and beta-lactams. This resistance complicates treatment regimens and necessitates individualized therapy based on susceptibility testing. PubMed Central (7)The potential vaccine candidates were found by conducting bioinformatics analyses that included antigenicity testing, toxicity evaluation, molecular docking using various bioinformatic tools like Allertop, Vaxijen, Cluspro, Proteinsol [8] etc. Keywords - Immunoinformatics Approach; Molecular Docking; Vaccine Design, NTM Species