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Sundararaj R, Mathimaran A, Prabhu D, Ramachandran B, Jeyaraman J, Muthupandian S, Asmelash T. In silico approaches for the identification of potential allergens among hypothetical proteins from Alternaria alternata and its functional annotation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6696. [PMID: 38509156 PMCID: PMC10954717 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55463-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajamanikandan Sundararaj
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Drug Discovery, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore, 641021, India
| | - Amala Mathimaran
- Structural Biology and Biocomputing Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 004, India
| | - Dhamodharan Prabhu
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Drug Discovery, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore, 641021, India
| | - Balajee Ramachandran
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, 700 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Jeyakanthan Jeyaraman
- Structural Biology and Biocomputing Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 004, India
| | - Saravanan Muthupandian
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, 600077, India
| | - Tsehaye Asmelash
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia.
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Brindisi G, Gori A, Anania C, Martinelli I, Capponi M, De Castro G, Zicari AM. Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) with the New Polymerized Molecular Allergoid Alt a1: A Pilot Study in Children with Allergic Rhinitis Sensitized to Alternaria Alternata. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4327. [PMID: 37445362 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We followed the effects of a new SCIT with a chemically polymerized allergen Alt a1, evaluating the trend of clinical and functional parameters in an observational-prospective study. METHODS 42 children with AR and intermittent asthma sensitized to A.A.: 17 patients started SCIT (Modigoid®), and 25 continued symptomatic therapy. At the initial visit (T0), all patients performed total IgE (tIgE) and specific IgE (sIgE) for Alt a1, nasal nitric oxide (nFeNo), nasal cytology, anterior active rhinomanometry (AAR) and spirometry. After 24 months (T1), they repeated the same procedures as in T0. RESULTS Patients treated with Modigoid presented a statistically significant (p < 0.001) reduction of nFeNO (T0:1651.06 ± 149.18; T1: 1394.12 ± 108.98), tIgE (T0: 311.48 ± 144.18; T1: 164.73 ± 50.69), sIgE for Alt a1 (T0: 28.59 ± 12.69; T1: 19.54 ± 7.37), an improvement of nasal airflow (T0: 71.62 ± 8.66; T1: 95.12 ± 5.91), nasal eosinophils (T0: 20.59 ± 2.35; T1: 14.88 ± 1.65) and FEV1 (T0: 95.58 ± 7.91; T1: 116.64 ± 5.94). CONCLUSIONS The new SCIT for Alt a1 significantly improves AR symptoms from a subjective, objective point of view and laboratory and functional parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Brindisi
- Department of Mother-Child, Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gori
- Department of Mother-Child, Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Anania
- Department of Mother-Child, Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ivana Martinelli
- Department of Mother-Child, Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Capponi
- Department of Mother-Child, Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Castro
- Department of Mother-Child, Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Zicari
- Department of Mother-Child, Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Layhadi JA, Moya R, Tan TJ, Lenormand MM, Sharif H, Parkin RV, Vila-Nadal G, Fedina O, Zhu R, Laisuan W, Durham SR, Carnés J, Shamji MH. Single-cell RNA sequencing identifies precise tolerogenic cellular and molecular pathways induced by depigmented-polymerized grass pollen allergen extract. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:1357-1370.e9. [PMID: 36649758 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunologic mechanism of action of allergoids remains poorly understood. Previous models of allergenicity and immunogenicity have yielded suboptimal knowledge of these immunotherapeutic vaccine products. Novel single-cell RNA sequencing technology offers a bridge to this gap in knowledge. OBJECTIVE We sought to identify the underpinning tolerogenic molecular and cellular mechanisms of depigmented-polymerized Phleum pratense (Phl p) extract. METHODS The molecular mechanisms underlying native Phl p, depigmented Phl p (DPG-Phl p), and depigmented-polymerized (DPG-POL-Phl p) allergoid were investigated by single-cell RNA sequencing. Allergen-specific TH2A, T follicular helper (Tfh), and IL-10+ regulatory B cells were quantified by flow cytometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 16 grass pollen-allergic and 8 nonatopic control subjects. The ability of Phl p, DPG-Phl p, and DPG-POL-Phl p to elicit FcεRI- and FcεRII-mediated IgE responses was measured by basophil activation test and IgE-facilitated allergen binding assay. RESULTS Analysis revealed that DPG-POL-Phl p downregulated genes associated with TH2 signaling, induced functional regulatory T cells exhibiting immunosuppressive roles through CD52 and Siglec-10, modulated genes encoding immunoproteasome that dysregulate the processing and presentation of antigens to T cells and promoted a shift from IgE toward an IgA1 and IgG responses. In grass pollen-allergic subjects, DPG-POL-Phl p exhibited reduced capacity to elicit proliferation of TH2A, IL-4+ Tfh and IL-21+ Tfh cells while being the most prominent at inducing IL-10+CD19+CD5hi and IL-10+CD19+CD5hiCD38intCD24int regulatory B-cell subsets compared to Phl p (all P < .05). Furthermore, DPG-POL-Phl p demonstrated a hypoallergenic profile through basophil activation and histamine release compared to Phl p (31.54-fold, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Single-cell RNA sequencing provides an in-depth resolution of the mechanisms underlying the tolerogenic profile of DPG-POL-Phl p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice A Layhadi
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Raquel Moya
- R&D Allergy & Immunology Unit, LETI Pharma SL, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tiak Ju Tan
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Madison M Lenormand
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hanisah Sharif
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei
| | - Rebecca V Parkin
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Vila-Nadal
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oleksandra Fedina
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rongfei Zhu
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wannada Laisuan
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen R Durham
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jerónimo Carnés
- R&D Allergy & Immunology Unit, LETI Pharma SL, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mohamed H Shamji
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Immunological mechanisms involved in the human response to a dog dander allergoid. Mol Immunol 2022; 145:88-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Jacquet A. Perspectives in Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy: Molecular Evolution of Peptide- and Protein-Based Strategies. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2020; 21:203-223. [PMID: 31416410 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190718152534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Allergen-specific Immunotherapy (AIT), through repetitive subcutaneous or sublingual administrations of allergen extracts, represents up to now the unique treatment against allergic sensitizations. However, the clinical efficacy of AIT can be largely dependent on the quality of natural allergen extracts. Moreover, the long duration and adverse side effects associated with AIT negatively impact patient adherence. Tremendous progress in the field of molecular allergology has made possible the design of safer, shorter and more effective new immunotherapeutic approaches based on purified and characterized natural or recombinant allergen derivatives and peptides. This review will summarize the characteristics of these different innovative vaccines including their effects in preclinical studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Jacquet
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
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Moya R, Ramió-Lluch L, Parody N, Brazis P, Puigdemont A, Carnés J. Specific Dermatophagoides farinae extract for canine immunotherapy. Vet Dermatol 2020; 32:131-e29. [PMID: 33112005 DOI: 10.1111/vde.12902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a pruritic allergic skin disease most often caused by Dermatophagoides farinae. Differences in the sensitization profile to D. farinae have been reported between people and dogs. However, allergic dogs traditionally have been treated with extracts intended for human immunotherapy. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES To develop a specific allergen immunotherapy for veterinary practice enriched in canine major allergens and to demonstrate its in vitro efficacy. ANIMALS Twenty privately owned dogs, clinically diagnosed with cAD, and three healthy dogs. METHODS AND MATERIALS A veterinary D. farinae allergen extract was manufactured and characterized compared to D. farinae extract used for human immunotherapy. The protein profile was analysed by SDS-PAGE and size exclusion chromatography and Der f 15 and Der f 18 allergens quantified by mass spectrometry. The allergenic profile was studied by immunoblot and the biological potency by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-inhibition assays. The extract's capacity to induce cytokine production [interleukin (IL)-10, interferon (IFN)-Ɣ] by peripheral blood mononuclear cells also was evaluated. RESULTS The veterinary extract showed a higher content of high molecular weight proteins, preferentially recognized by atopic dog sera. The fold-increases in Der f 15 and Der f 18 with respect to the human extract were 2.07 ± 0.32 and 1.63 ± 0.15, respectively. The veterinary extract showed higher biological potency (0.062 versus 0.132 µg required for 50% inhibition of dogs sera) compared to the human extract and induced significantly higher levels of IL-10 (1,780 pg/mL) and IFN-Ɣ (50.4 pg/mL) with respect to the negative control. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE A veterinary D. farinae extract with a higher content of dog major allergens was developed and in vitro efficacy demonstrated by immunological parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Moya
- R&D Allergy & Immunology Unit, Laboratorios LETI, S.L, Calle del Sol no. 5, Tres Cantos, Madrid, 28760, Spain
| | - Laura Ramió-Lluch
- Animal Health B.U, Laboratorios LETI, S.L, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 184, Barcelona, 08038, Spain
| | - Nuria Parody
- R&D Allergy & Immunology Unit, Laboratorios LETI, S.L, Calle del Sol no. 5, Tres Cantos, Madrid, 28760, Spain
| | - Pilar Brazis
- Animal Health B.U, Laboratorios LETI, S.L, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 184, Barcelona, 08038, Spain
| | - Anna Puigdemont
- Department of Therapeutic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Edifici M, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Jerónimo Carnés
- R&D Allergy & Immunology Unit, Laboratorios LETI, S.L, Calle del Sol no. 5, Tres Cantos, Madrid, 28760, Spain
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Novakova P, Tiotiu A, Baiardini I, Krusheva B, Chong-Neto H, Novakova S. Allergen immunotherapy in asthma: current evidence. J Asthma 2019; 58:223-230. [PMID: 31638840 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2019.1684517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: Allergic asthma is the predominant phenotype in clinical practice. Allergen immunotherapy is the only curative and specific approach for the treatment of allergies with clinical benefits for several years after its discontinuation. Despite advances, the use of allergen immunotherapy in allergic asthma is still suboptimal and controversial.Objective: The purpose of this article is to review the published data about the impact of allergen immunotherapy with the most commonly used allergen extracts on allergic asthma outcomes, including both clinical parameters and patients' subjective experience (quality of life).Methods: As data sources several databases were used, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (2002-2019) and search in English and Spanish languages was performed using the following terms: "allergen immunotherapy" and "asthma" in combination with "house dust mite", "birch pollen", "grass pollen", "olive tree pollen", "molds", "pets" and "asthma quality of life". Randomised control trials and meta-analysis from reviewed publications were selected.Results: Emerging data relating to the positive impact on asthma outcomes of allergen immunotherapy allows the addition of this treatment as a therapeutic option in mild to moderate asthmatics sensitized to house dust mite and pollens. Limited data are available for patients sensitized to molds and pets, as well in severe allergic asthma population.Conclusion: Allergen immunotherapy remains a potential therapeutic option for some patients with allergic asthma. Further research is needed to define the optimal period of treatment, the possible therapeutic role in the treatment of severe allergic asthma, and the cost-effectiveness of allergen immunotherapy in asthmatic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Plamena Novakova
- Clinic of Clinical Allergy, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Angelica Tiotiu
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Nancy, Nancy, France.,EA3450 DevAH - Development, Adaptation and Disadvantage. Cardio-Respiratory Regulations and Motor Control, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France.,Airways Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ilaria Baiardini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Borislava Krusheva
- Department of Allergology and Asthma, Aleksandrovska University Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Herberto Chong-Neto
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Silviya Novakova
- Allergy Unit, Internal Consulting Department, University Hospital "St. George", Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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