Analysis of epitope-based vaccine candidates against the E antigen of the hepatitis B virus based on the B genotype sequence: An in silico and in vitro approach

•Epitope TVLEYLVSF had low binding energy to HLA-A0201 molecule.•Epitope LLWFHISCL had high binding affinity to HLA-A0201 molecule.•Epitope LLWFHISCL had high ability to induce immune responses.•MHC-II core peptides (WIRTPPAYR, VNVNMGLKI, LEYLVSFGV, FLPSDFFPS) were picked.•Region 179–190 was most probably to be involved in a B cell epitope.