Through database access to the DNA and protein sequences of Schistosoma mansoni and the use of bioinformatics
programs, fourteen epitopes were identified. Five epitopes were obtained from proteins
whose immunogenic potential had already been assessed in other studies (KP), and nine whose immunogenic
potential is unknown (UP). To improve stimulation of the host immune system, the selected
epitopes were modeled with a sugar moiety. After this addition, all of the epitopes showed structures
similar to those observed in the native proteins, but only eleven of the peptides presented thermodynamically
stable structures. Prediction analysis and molecular modeling showed that the glycopeptides
presented here are important targets in the search for a vaccine against schistosomiasis. Additionally,
they suggest that these molecules may be used in immunological assays to evaluate the level of protection,
the effect on pathology reduction and the profile of cytokines and antibodies induced by them.