Organism-specific training improves performance of linear B-cell epitope prediction.

Journal: Bioinformatics (Oxford, England)
PMID:

Abstract

MOTIVATION: In silico identification of linear B-cell epitopes represents an important step in the development of diagnostic tests and vaccine candidates, by providing potential high-probability targets for experimental investigation. Current predictive tools were developed under a generalist approach, training models with heterogeneous datasets to develop predictors that can be deployed for a wide variety of pathogens. However, continuous advances in processing power and the increasing amount of epitope data for a broad range of pathogens indicate that training organism or taxon-specific models may become a feasible alternative, with unexplored potential gains in predictive performance.

Authors

  • Jodie Ashford
    Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.
  • João Reis-Cunha
    Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil.
  • Igor Lobo
    Graduate Program in Genetics, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil.
  • Francisco Lobo
    Department of General Biology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil.
  • Felipe Campelo
    Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.