Allergenic Potential Research Articles

In silico approaches for the identification of potential allergens among hypothetical proteins from Alternaria alternata and its functional annotation

Direct exposure to the fungal species Alternaria alternata is a major risk factor for the development of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and inflammation. As of November 23rd 2020, the NCBI protein database showed 11,227 proteins from A. alternata genome as hypothetical proteins (HPs). Allergens are the main causative of several life-threatening diseases, especially in fungal infections. Therefore, the main aim of the study is to identify the potentially allergenic inducible proteins from the HPs in A. alternata and their associated functional assignment for the complete understanding of the complex biological systems at the molecular level. AlgPred and Structural Database of Allergenic Proteins (SDAP) were used for the prediction of potential allergens from the HPs of A. alternata. While analyzing the proteome data, 29 potential allergens were predicted by AlgPred and further screening in SDAP confirmed the allergic response of 10 proteins. Extensive bioinformatics tools including protein family classification, sequence-function relationship, protein motif discovery, pathway interactions, and intrinsic features from the amino acid sequence were used to successfully predict the probable functions of the 10 HPs. The functions of the HPs are characterized as chitin-binding, ribosomal protein P1, thaumatin, glycosyl hydrolase, and NOB1 proteins. The subcellular localization and signal peptide prediction of these 10 proteins has further provided additional information on localization and function. The allergens prediction and functional annotation of the 10 proteins may facilitate a better understanding of the allergenic mechanism of A. alternata in asthma and other diseases. The functional domain level insights and predicted structural features of the allergenic proteins help to understand the pathogenesis and host immune tolerance. The outcomes of the study would aid in the development of specific drugs to combat A. alternata infections.

The impact of multiple abiotic stresses on ns-LTP2.8 gene transcript and ns-LTP2.8 protein accumulation in germinating barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) embryos.

Abiotic stresses occur more often in combination than alone under regular field conditions limiting in more severe way crop production. Stress recognition in plants primarily occurs in the plasma membrane, modification of which is necessary to maintain homeostasis in response to it. It is known that lipid transport proteins (ns-LTPs) participate in modification of the lipidome of cell membranes. Representative of this group, ns-LTP2.8, may be involved in the reaction to abiotic stress of germinating barley plants by mediating the intracellular transport of hydrophobic particles, such as lipids, helping to maintain homeostasis. The ns-LTP2.8 protein was selected for analysis due to its ability to transport not only linear hydrophobic molecules but also compounds with a more complex spatial structure. Moreover, ns-LTP2.8 has been qualified as a member of pathogenesis-related proteins, which makes it particularly important in relation to its high allergenic potential. This paper demonstrates for the first time the influence of various abiotic stresses acting separately as well as in their combinations on the change in the ns-LTP2.8 transcript, ns-LTP2.8 protein and total soluble protein content in the embryonal axes of germinating spring barley genotypes with different ns-LTP2.8 allelic forms and stress tolerance. Tissue localization of ns-LTP2.8 transcript as well as ns-LTP2.8 protein were also examined. Although the impact of abiotic stresses on the regulation of gene transcription and translation processes remains not fully recognized, in this work we managed to demonstrate different impact on applied stresses on the fundamental cellular processes in very little studied tissue of the embryonal axis of barley.

AKTUALNE PERSPEKTYWY ZASTOSOWANIA PROTEOMIKI DO IDENTYFIKACJI ORAZ CHARAKTERYSTYKI BIAŁEK POCHODZENIA OWADZIEGO WYKAZUJĄCYCH POTENCJAŁ ALERGIZUJĄCY

Currently, pet owners can easily access a broad array of commercial pet products specifically formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of their cats and dogs. The trend towards organic pet foods, prioritizing whole ingredients over processed ones, is gaining more and more attention, emphasizing sustainability in sourcing dietary proteins. Insects, rich in essential amino acids, emerge as promising protein substitutes, though they do carry potential risks of triggering adverse food reactions, such as allergies in pets. This, in turn, provides a fertile ground for advanced proteomic analysis, facilitating comprehensive identification and quantification of allergens from edible insects. This includes defining immune epitopes originating from these allergens, thus fostering the discovery of potentially new proteins with allergenic potential and aiding in the in vitro diagnosis of allergen sensitization. This review presents the latest advancements in edible insect-derived allergens and the proteomic investigations conducted to analyse them. We offer insights into classical and advanced proteomic approaches designed for identifying and quantifying these allergens in various food matrices. Additionally, we focus on recent studies concerning the characterization of novel insect allergens, exploring sensitization and cross-reactivity mechanisms, with a specific emphasis on pets.

Immunoinformatics and computational approaches driven designing a novel vaccine candidate against Powassan virus

Powassan virus (POWV) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) capable of causing severe illness in humans for severe neurological complications, and its incidence has been on the rise in recent years due to climate change, posing a growing public health concern. Currently, no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat POWV disease, emphasizing the urgent need for effective countermeasures. In this study, we utilize bioinformatics approaches to target proteins of POWV, including the capsid, envelope, and membrane proteins, to predict diverse B-cell and T-cell epitopes. These epitopes underwent screening for critical properties such as antigenicity, allergenicity, toxicity, and cytokine induction potential. Eight selected epitopes were then conjugated with adjuvants using various linkers, resulting in designing of a potentially stable and immunogenic vaccine candidate against POWV. Moreover, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and immune simulations revealed a stable interaction pattern with the immune receptor, suggesting the vaccine's potential to induce robust immune responses. In conclusion, our study provided a set of derived epitopes from POWV’s proteins, demonstrating the potential for a novel vaccine candidate against POWV. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted to advance our efforts and move closer to the goal of combatting POWV and related arbovirus infections.

Method to develop a regional guide for the allergenic potential of tree pollen

Allergic rhinitis, caused by airborne pollen, is a common disease with a great impact on the quality of life for patients and high costs for society. Prevention of high pollen concentrations in the air is relevant for creating a safe environment for allergic patients. Due to climate change, the heat in cities during the summer is a recurring problem. The local climate can be improved by using the cooling properties of trees, providing shade and cooling by evapotranspiration. When deciding which tree species will be planted, it is important to take into account the allergenicity of the pollen that the tree produces. Available guides, used all over the world, on the allergenicity of pollen are very divers in content and interpretation and not applicable for the Netherlands. In this study a method is described to develop a guide for the allergenic potential of tree pollen in a region, in this case the Netherlands.For the most common tree species in the Netherlands the scientific knowledge on the allergenicity of the pollen was collected, followed by an inventory on regional pollen abundance. Subsequently, the sensitization pattern in a patient group with possible inhalation allergy was analyzed. Based on these data allergenicity of the tree pollen was classified into five classes. Eight tree species/genera of the 61 most planted tree species in the Netherlands are considered to have a very strong to moderate allergenic potential. We propose to use this methodology to develop regional-specific guides classifying the allergenic potential of tree pollen.

Peri-wound skin lesions of allergic nature

Peri-wound dermatoses are a fairly common occurrence in clinical practice. In general, they are all allergic in nature and occur on the skin around the surface area of both primary and postoperative wounds. Peri-wound skin lesions can develop as paratraumatic eczema, simple contact or allergic dermatitis. All these dermatoses can be complicated by a secondary bacterial or mycotic infection, both exogenous and endogenous, which significantly complicates the course of the dermatitis itself and wound healing. The patient is exposed to a fairly large number of potential allergens in the course of surgical care provided at all stages: both in the pre- and postoperative period, and during the surgical intervention. Among them may be drugs and antiseptics, surgical sutures, implants, and even latex gloves of healthcare practitioners in some cases. When it comes to potential allergens, foci of chronic infection in the patient’s body, as well as secondary wound infections should be noted as a separate matter. The presence of peri-wound dermatoses is the most common cause of delayed surgical debridement, and can also become an obstacle to surgical treatment and healing of the wound surface. In addition, pre-existing paratraumatic eczema can progress to a chronic course and contribute to the further spread of the inflammatory process. Thus, peri-wound dermatoses are a pressing interdisciplinary issue. Patients with peri-wound dermatoses require a personalized selection of combination therapy and additional consultative assistance from highly specialized doctors. Fixed-dose topical glucocorticoids combined with antibiotics and antimycotics may be the drugs of choice for patients with peri-wound eczematous process, with due account for complex pathogenetic effects and ease of use. The article describes clinical cases of dermatoses developed in surgical patients.

Allergenicity and structural properties of new Cor a 1 isoallergens from hazel identified in different plant tissues

The hazel allergen Cor a 1 is a PR-10 protein, closely related to the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1. Hazel allergies are caused by cross-reactive IgE antibodies originally directed against Bet v 1. Despite the importance of PR-10 proteins in allergy development, their function and localization in the plant remain largely elusive. Therefore, the presence of Cor a 1 mRNA and proteins was investigated in different tissues, i.e., the female flower, immature and mature nuts, catkins, and pollen. Four yet unknown Cor a 1 isoallergens, i.e., Cor a 1.0501–1.0801, and one new Cor a 1.03 variant were discovered and characterized. Depending on the isoallergen, the occurrence and level of mRNA expression varied in different tissues, suggesting different functions. Interestingly, Cor a 1.04 previously thought to be only present in nuts, was also detected in catkins and pollen. The corresponding Cor a 1 genes were expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified proteins were analysed by CD and NMR spectroscopy. Immunoblots and ELISAs to determine their allergenic potential showed that the new proteins reacted positively with sera from patients allergic to birch, hazel and elder pollen and were recognized as novel isoallergens/variants by the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee.

Shotgun proteomics and in silico analysis of potential allergens in mature seeds and sprouts of purple winged bean

Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.) is a tropical legume crop found in Southeast Asian countries including Thailand. The mature seeds have high protein content and have been targeted as a protein source, and germination has been used to increase the value of nutrition. We used nanoLC/timsTOF Pro 2 combined with PEAKS® studio Xpro software to explore the proteomes of mature seeds and sprouts of purple winged bean. This study is the first report on the allergenic proteins in mature seeds and sprouts of purple winged bean. In silico analysis using Allergen Nomenclature search and the Allermatchtm program, 37 allergens were found. Conglutin beta 5 and late embryogenesis abundant protein (3 and D-29) were identified only in mature seeds, while 4 types of major pollen allergen Bet V, profilin and isoflavone reductase, were identified only in sprouts. Examples of allergens in both samples include basic 7S globulin, beta-conglycinin alpha/beta subunit (1,2), convicilin, defensin-like protein, 7 types of non-specific lipid-transfer protein, P24 oleosin isoform B. Since food allergy and airway allergy are found in sprouts, we used shotgun proteomics and in silico analysis for detecting the profiles of allergens. With regards to food safety, purple winged beans may also induce cross-reactivity in patients who are allergic to peanuts or other legumes. Therefore, identifying the proteomes and potential allergens in mature seeds and sprouts of purple winged beans could assist researchers in studying plant-based food safety.

Investigation into potential allergenicity of DBD plasma-treated casein digestion products based on immunoglobulin E linear epitopes and the sensitized-cell model

The study aimed to investigate the allergenicity change in casein treated with dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma during in vitro simulated digestion, focusing on the immunoglobulin E (IgE) linear epitopes and utilizing a sensitized-cell model. Results indicated that prior treatment with DBD plasma treatment (4 min) before simulated digestion led to a 10.5% reduction in the IgE-binding capacity of casein digestion products. Moreover, the release of biologically active substances induced from KU812 cells, including β-HEX release rate, human histamine, IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α, decreased by 2.1, 28.1, 20.6, 11.6, and 17.3%, respectively. Through a combined analysis of LC-MS/MS and immunoinformatics tools, it was revealed that DBD plasma treatment promoted the degradation of the IgE linear epitopes of casein during digestion, particularly those located in the α-helix region of αs1-CN and αs2-CN. These findings suggest that DBD plasma treatment prior to digestion may alleviate casein allergic reactions.

The allergenic potential of green urban areas in the Macaronesian islands: The case of Funchal City (Madeira)

Public gardens are elements that constitute the urban green infrastructure. Such units provide ecosystem services that are becoming a key concern in urban planning strategies.In this survey the allergenic potential of two public gardens in Funchal, a city exhibiting sub-tropical and Mediterranean climatic features, was assessed. Different allergenic risk scenarios were considered, and the Allergenicity Indexes recalculated. Results show that the Municipal Garden exhibits an IUGZA (Index of Urban Green Zone Allergenicity) of 0,39 and Santa Catarina Park an IUGZA of 0,16, which are considered spaces of moderate and low allergenicity level, respectively. Among the tested scenarios that could aggravate the IUGZA values, the worst would be an extension of the pollen season for all species. This might represent an issue considering the overall trend towards an earlier start and later end of the pollen season from important allergenic plants in Europe. The assessment of the IUGZA should include all plant biotypes of an urban green area in subtropical regions as they allow us to infer more precisely on the real risk population is exposed to. It seems that increasing species diversity can improve the allergenic indexes, but novel invasive species should be studied to assess their allergenicity level.

Prevalence of potential contact allergens in best-selling baby cleansers.

Many baby cleansers are promoted as hypoallergic products; however, these claims are not typically validated. This study assessed the 50 best-selling baby cleansers from online retailer Amazon for potential allergens. We found that the presence of most marketing claims, including "hypoallergenic" or "allergy-tested," did not correlate with the number of potential allergens in a cleanser. Furthermore, the total number of marketing claims of a cleanser was positively correlated with the number of allergens, highlighting the discordance between marketing claims and allergen content in baby cleansers.

Analysis of unintended open reading frame ORF-130 expression in maize event MZIR098 by LC-MS as part of the allergenicity risk assessment of genetically modified crops

Rigorous safety assessments are required for genetically modified (GM) crops to support their use as food or feed. These assessments include bioinformatics analysis of the amino acid sequences of all potential open reading frames (ORFs) encoded in the exogenous DNA introduced into the plant through genetic modification. Sequence similarities of potential DNA products to known or potential toxins and allergens trigger subsequent assessments of potential hazards for the consumer or the environment. The bioinformatic analysis of Syngenta maize event MZIR098 insert DNA revealed a total of 415 ORFs. One putative ORF (ORF-130) triggered further risk assessment based on its sequence similarities with known allergens, including peanut allergen Ara h 1, wheat glutenin, and others. We examined the potential expression of ORF-130 at a protein level to exclude the possibility of exposure during consumption of MZIR098 maize. Specifically, we developed and validated a liquid chromatography approach coupled to a tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method, called parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). This measure of expression was quantitative and targeted against the peptides unique to ORF-130. The linear range of the method was 25-5000 amol ORF-130/µl. Both, limit of detection (LOD) and lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of the method, were 12 μg ORF-130 per gram of dry MZIR098 maize leaf. The method was accurate and specific to ORF-130. PRM analysis of MZIR098 extracts did not detect putative ORF-130 above the limits of detection/quantitation. Furthermore, the broad proteomic data dependent acquisition (DDA) analysis of the MZIR098 extracts demonstrated no evidence of ORF-130 corroborating the PRM analysis. Our results confirm that ORF-130 is not characterized as a functional gene in Syngenta maize event MZIR098 insert DNA and does not express gene products at detectable levels.

Botanical Impurities in the Supply Chain: A New Allergenic Risk Exacerbated by Geopolitical Challenges.

The supply chains of food raw materials have recently been heavily influenced by geopolitical events. Products that came from, or transited through, areas currently in conflict are now preferentially supplied from alternative areas. These changes may entail risks for food safety. We review the potential allergenicity of botanical impurities, specifically vegetable contaminants, with particular attention to the contamination of vegetable oils. We delve into the diverse types of botanical impurities, their sources, and the associated allergenic potential. Our analysis encompasses an evaluation of the regulatory framework governing botanical impurities in food labeling. Unintended plant-derived contaminants may manifest in raw materials during various stages of food production, processing, or storage, posing a risk of allergic reactions for individuals with established food allergies. Issues may arise from natural occurrence, cross-contamination in the supply chain, and contamination at during production. The food and food service industries are responsible for providing and preparing foods that are safe for people with food allergies: we address the challenges inherent in risk assessment of botanical impurities. The presence of botanical impurities emerges as a significant risk factor for food allergies in the 2020s. We advocate for regulatory authorities to fortify labeling requirements and develop robust risk assessment tools. These measures are necessary to enhance consumer awareness regarding the potential risks posed by these contaminants.

Alphitobius diaperinus larvae (lesser mealworm) as human food – An approval of the European Commission – A critical review

Abstract Due to the increasing threat of climate change and the need for sustainable food sources, human consumption of edible insects or entomophagy has gained considerable attention globally. The larvae of Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), also known as the lesser mealworm, have been identified as a promising candidate for mass-rearing as a food source based the on evaluation on several aspects such as the production process, the microbiological and chemical composition, and the potential allergenicity to humans. As a consequence, the European Commission has recently approved the utilization of lesser mealworms as human foods. Lesser mealworms are considered a good source of protein, with a protein content ranging from 50-65% of their dry weight and containing various essential amino acids. Lesser mealworms are also rich in other essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamins B12 and B6. Furthermore, the hydrolysates of lesser mealworms are known to contain antioxidants, suggesting the therapeutic properties of the insects. To enable and ensure a continuous supply of lesser mealworms, various rearing procedures of the insects and information on optimal environmental rearing conditions have been reported. However, like other edible insects, lesser mealworms are still not commonly consumed in Western countries because of various consumer- and product-related factors. Ultimately, the European Commission’s approval of lesser mealworms as a novel food is a key milestone in the development of the insect food industry. Embracing the consumption of edible insects can help address the challenges of feeding a growing population, mitigate the environmental impact of food production, and promote a more sustainable and resilient food system for the future.

Cosensitization to the 3 Nonhomologous Major Cashew Allergens Ana o 1, Ana o 2, and Ana o 3 Is Caused by IgE Cross-reactivity.

Cashew nuts often cause strong allergic reactions, which are even more severe than those of peanuts. Ana o 1 (vicilin), Ana o 2 (legumin), and Ana o 3 (2S albumin) are major cashew allergens. Cosensitization to all 3 nonhomologous cashew nut allergens has been observed. We hypothesize that this might be due to IgE cross-reactivity. IgE cross-inhibitions were performed with Ana o 1-3 using serum samples from cashew nut-allergic patients. The related hazelnut allergens Cor a 11, 9, and 14 were used as controls. For comparison, IgE cross-reactivity between the hazelnut allergens was investigated using serum samples from hazelnut-allergic patients. The median percentages of cross-inhibition between Ana o 1, 2, and 3 were 84%-99%. In comparison, the median cross- inhibition values between hazelnut allergens were 33%-62%. The IC50 values revealed the highest IgE affinity to be to Ana o 3 and Cor a 14. Hazelnut legumin Cor a 9 inhibited IgE binding to Ana o 1, 2, and 3, with median percentages of 75%, 56%, and 48%, respectively. No cross-reactivity was observed between allergenic vicilins or between 2S albumins from cashew and hazelnut. Potentially cross-reactive peptides of Ana o 3 identified in silico overlapped with previously reported IgE epitopes of all 3 allergens. IgE with high affinity to Ana o 3 that cross-reacts with the other 2 major nonhomologous cashew nut allergens might be responsible for the high allergenic potency of cashew nut. These cross-reactive IgE types comprise the major fraction of specific IgE in cashew-allergic patients and might be responsible for cross-reactivity between unrelated tree nuts.

A novel IgE epitope-specific antibodies-based sandwich ELISA for sensitive measurement of immunoreactivity changes of peanut allergen Ara h 2 in processed foods.

Peanut is an important source of dietary protein for human beings, but it is also recognized as one of the eight major food allergens. Binding of IgE antibodies to specific epitopes in peanut allergens plays important roles in initiating peanut-allergic reactions, and Ara h 2 is widely considered as the most potent peanut allergen and the best predictor of peanut allergy. Therefore, Ara h 2 IgE epitopes can serve as useful biomarkers for prediction of IgE-binding variations of Ara h 2 and peanut in foods. This study aimed to develop and validate an IgE epitope-specific antibodies (IgE-EsAbs)-based sandwich ELISA (sELISA) for detection of Ara h 2 and measurement of Ara h 2 IgE-immunoreactivity changes in foods. DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow anion-exchange chromatography combining with SDS-PAGE gel extraction were applied to purify Ara h 2 from raw peanut. Hybridoma and epitope vaccine techniques were employed to generate a monoclonal antibody against a major IgE epitope of Ara h 2 and a polyclonal antibody against 12 IgE epitopes of Ara h 2, respectively. ELISA was carried out to evaluate the target binding and specificity of the generated IgE-EsAbs. Subsequently, IgE-EsAbs-based sELISA was developed to detect Ara h 2 and its allergenic residues in food samples. The IgE-binding capacity of Ara h 2 and peanut in foods was determined by competitive ELISA. The dose-effect relationship between the Ara h 2 IgE epitope content and Ara h 2 (or peanut) IgE-binding ability was further established to validate the reliability of the developed sELISA in measuring IgE-binding variations of Ara h 2 and peanut in foods. The obtained Ara h 2 had a purity of 94.44%. Antibody characterization revealed that the IgE-EsAbs recognized the target IgE epitope(s) of Ara h 2 and exhibited high specificity. Accordingly, an IgE-EsAbs-based sELISA using these antibodies was able to detect Ara h 2 and its allergenic residues in food samples, with high sensitivity (a limit of detection of 0.98 ng/mL), accuracy (a mean bias of 0.88%), precision (relative standard deviation < 16.50%), specificity, and recovery (an average recovery of 98.28%). Moreover, the developed sELISA could predict IgE-binding variations of Ara h 2 and peanut in foods, as verified by using sera IgE derived from peanut-allergic individuals. This novel immunoassay could be a user-friendly method to monitor low level of Ara h 2 and to preliminary predict in vitro potential allergenicity of Ara h 2 and peanut in processed foods.

Fish feed composition by high-throughput sequencing analysis: Parasite risk assessment

The use of wild small fish species as feed for aquaculture has clearly an economic incentive by speeding the growth of farmed species. Since feed ingredients are sourced from wild fisheries the farmed species could contain natural contaminants which may introduce food safety concerns. In this study, we used High-Throughput Sequencing (HTS) to explore the whole DNA profile of ten dry commercial feeds commonly used by Spanish fish farming companies. The feeds were mainly made of species within the genus Sprattus, Ammodytes and Clupea, and vegetables of the genus Triticum. In the feeds, DNA sequences of parasitic nematodes of fishes (˂1 % total OTUs) were also identified. A taxonomic assignment of query sequences, using a phylogeny-based approach, estimation of pairwise nucleotide identities within and between sequence groups and haplotype network analysis, allow assign short query sequences to the species Phocanema krabbei (Anisakidae) and Hysterothylacium aduncum (Rhaphidascarididae). Both species were identified as ingredient in two and six fish feeds, respectively. This result is of highly concern regarding dietetic recommendations to sensitized patients to anisakids, considering the growing evidence on the possible allergenic potential of both genera, and the recent data on the transfer of anisakid heat-resistant allergens from fishmeal to farm and aquaculture animals.

Identification and characterization of a novel nematode pan allergen (NPA) from Wuchereria bancrofti and their potential role in human filarial tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE).

Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) is a chronic respiratory syndrome associated with Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), a tropical parasitic infection of the human, transmitted by mosquitoes. The larval form of LF (microfilariae) are trapped in the lungs of TPE subjects have a major role in initiating the TPE syndrome. To date, there are no reports on the potential allergen that is responsible for generating parasite-specific IgE in TPE. In this project, we screened a cDNA expression library of the microfilarial stages of Wuchereria bancrofti with monoclonal IgE antibodies prepared from subjects with clinical filarial infections. Our studies identified a novel molecule that showed significant sequence similarity to an allergen. A blast analysis showed the presence of similar proteins in a number of nematodes parasites. Thus, we named this molecule as Nematode Pan Allergen (NPA). Subsequent functional analysis showed that NPA is a potent allergen that can cause release of histamine from mast cells, induce secretion of proinflammatory cytokines from alveolar macrophages and promote accumulation of eosinophils in the tissue, all of which occur in TPE lungs. Based on our results, we conclude that the NPA protein secreted by the microfilariae of W. bancrofti may play a significant role in the pathology of TPE syndrome in LF infected individuals. Further studies on this molecule can help design an approach to neutralize the NPA in an attempt to reduce the pathology associated with TPE in LF infected subjects.

Accelerating the identification of the allergenic potential of plant proteins using a stacked ensemble-learning framework

ABSTRACT: Plant-allergenic proteins (PAPs) have the potential to induce allergic reactions in certain individuals. While these proteins are generally innocuous for the majority of people, they can elicit an immune response in those with particular sensitivities. Thus, screening and prioritizing the allergenic potential of plant proteins is indispensable for the development of diagnostic tools, therapeutic interventions or medications to treat allergic reactions. However, investigating the allergenic potential of plant proteins based on experimental methods is costly and labour-intensive. Therefore, we develop StackPAP, a three-layer stacking ensemble framework for accurate large-scale identification of PAPs. In StackPAP, at the first layer, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of an extensive set of feature descriptors. Subsequently, we selected and fused five potential sequence-based feature descriptors, including amphiphilic pseudo-amino acid composition, dipeptide deviation from expected mean, amino acid composition, pseudo amino acid composition and dipeptide composition. Additionally, we applied an efficient genetic algorithm (GA-SAR) to determine informative feature sets. In the second layer, 12 powerful machine learning (ML) methods, in combination with all the informative feature sets, were employed to construct a pool of base classifiers. Finally, 13 potential base classifiers were selected using the GA-SAR method and combined to develop the final meta-classifier. Our experimental results revealed the promising prediction performance of StackPAP, with an accuracy, Matthew’s correlation coefficient and AUC of 0.984, 0.969 and 0.993, respectively, as judged by the independent test dataset. In conclusion, both cross-validation and independent test results indicated the superior performance of StackPAP compared with several ML-based classifiers. To accelerate the identification of the allergenicity of plant proteins, we developed a user-friendly web server for StackPAP (https://pmlabqsar.pythonanywhere.com/StackPAP). We anticipate that StackPAP will be an efficient and useful tool for rapidly screening PAPs from a vast number of plant proteins. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Glycation combined with phosphorylation: Investigating the structure changes and allergenic potential of parvalbumin in silver carp (Hypophthalmichthy molitrix)

This study investigated the effects of glycation combined with phosphorylation on the structure and allergenic potential of parvalbumin (PV) in silver carp (Hypophthalmichthy molitrix). The method increased PV's molecular weight and altered its structure. In vivo, this approach significantly reduced the risk of PV allergy, with decreased serum levels of IgE, IgG, histamine, β-hexosaminidase, and interleukin-4 decreased, while interferon-γ levels increased. Spleen tissue demonstrated increased expression of transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-12, and T-bet. Although the relative abundance of allergy-associated gut microbiota (Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes) changed, the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome in mice remained similar to normal mice at the family and genus taxonomic levels. Allergic mice exhibited imbalanced gut microbiota including Firmicutes, Lactobacillaceae, Staphylococcaceae, and Lactobacillus. Norank_f__Muribaculaceae and Bacteroidetes helped alleviate the allergenic potential. Therefore, glycation combined with phosphorylation can significantly reduce the risk of PV allergy through structural changes and regulation of the gut microbiome.