Retraction: Abetting host immune response by inhibiting rhipicephalus sanguineus Evasin-1: An in silico approach

Abstract

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After this article [1] was published, concerns were raised about Fig 4. Specifically, the three replicate simulations in each of Figs 4A-D appear similar.

During editorial follow-up, the corresponding author NM provided the individual-level quantitative data and raw log files underlying Fig 4, and additional information regarding the methodology used in the molecular dynamics simulations. They stated that similarity between replicates of each molecular dynamic simulation in Figs 4A-D was a possible result of using identical simulation parameters and use of the same computational model and software. PLOS consulted an Editorial Board member from PLOS One, who advised that the level of similarity observed between the replicate MD simulations suggests that the study design and methodology underlying Fig 4 are flawed. Due to unresolved concerns regarding the reliability of the triplicate simulation approach, the claims of reproducibility and the conclusions drawn from the MD studies are not supported.

In light of the above unresolved concerns, the PLOS One Editors retract this article.

NM, SMaitra, PD, AA, SA, and AG did not agree with the retraction. MAC, ARR, JJPM, SMalik, MMH, AD, MAK, and NHA either did not respond directly or could not be reached.