Relationship between protein digestibility and allergenicity: comparisons of pepsin and cathepsin

Peptide bonds cleaved by pepsin are affected by the morphology of heat-induced ovalbumin aggregates

The study aimed to assess the extent to which protein aggregation, and even the modality of aggregation, can affect gastric digestion, down to the nature of the hydrolyzed peptide bonds. By controlling pH and ionic strength during heating, linear or spherical ovalbumin (OVA) aggregates were prepared, then digested with pepsin. Statistical analysis characterized the peptide bonds specifically hydrolyzed versus those not hydrolyzed for a given condition, based on a detailed description of all these bonds. Aggregation limits pepsin access to buried regions of native OVA, but some cleavage sites specific to aggregates reflect specific hydrolysis pathways due to the denaturation-aggregation process. Cleavage sites specific to linear aggregates indicate greater denaturation compared to spherical aggregates, consistent with theoretical models of heat-induced aggregation of OVA. Thus, the peptides released during the gastric phase may vary depending on the aggregation modality. Precisely tuned aggregation may therefore allow subtle control of the digestion process.

A review on the immobilization of pepsin: A Lys-poor enzyme that is unstable at alkaline pH values

Pepsin is a protease used in many different applications, and in many instances, it is utilized in an immobilized form to prevent contamination of the reaction product. This enzyme has two peculiarities that make its immobilization complex. The first one is related to the poor presence of primary amino groups on its surface (just one Lys and the terminal amino group). The second one is its poor stability at alkaline pH values. Both features make the immobilization of this enzyme to be considered a complicated goal, as most of the immobilization protocols utilize primary amino groups for immobilization. This review presents some of the attempts to get immobilized pepsin biocatalyst and their applications. The high density of anionic groups (Asp and Glu) make the anion exchange of the enzyme simpler, but this makes many of the strategies utilized to immobilize the enzyme (e.g., amino-glutaraldehyde supports) more related to a mixed ion exchange/hydrophobic adsorption than to real covalent immobilization. Finally, we propose some possibilities that can permit not only the covalent immobilization of this enzyme, but also their stabilization via multipoint covalent attachment.

Risk–benefit assessment of seaweed Allergenicity risk assessment of novel protein

As the world population rapidly grows, there is a clear need for alternative food sources, particularly for the provision of protein. Seaweed is one such alternative source of protein that requires greater investigation. In this context, a working programme within the European Food Risk Assessment (EU‐FORA) Fellowship Programme framework was developed at National Food Institute – Technical University of Denmark. This Programme is an initiative of the EFSA with the aim to build a European risk assessment community. The purpose of this technical report is to describe the activities in which the fellow was involved. As part of the Research Group for Risk–Benefit, the fellow performed a risk–benefit assessment of seaweed Palmaria palmata gaining an in‐depth expertise in all the steps. The health impact of Palmaria palmata consumption was estimated, considering its high nutritional value but also highlighting concerns towards some components. Simultaneous to the work on the risk–benefit, the fellow also worked within the Research Group for Food Allergy, specifically on the allergenicity risk assessment of a plant‐based novel protein (seaweed protein) using different laboratory assays. Seaweed protein digestibility was assessed, and its digestion products were characterised and assessed for immunogenicity. Finally, the fellow collaborated with the Research Group for Microbial Biotechnology and Biorefining in the development of a novel food (alfalfa protein) application dossier to be submitted to EFSA, gaining expertise in the risk assessment of a novel food. In conclusion, the present working programme, together with additional activities and training provided by different institutions, enabled the fellow to gain a broader perspective in food safety, particularly concerning seaweed, novel foods and the safety assessment of novel proteins.

Structure, Immunogenicity, and IgE Cross-Reactivity among Walnut and Peanut Vicilin-Buried Peptides

Vicilin-buried peptides (VBPs) from edible plants are derived from the N-terminal leader sequences (LSs) of seed storage proteins. VBPs are defined by a common α-hairpin fold mediated by conserved CxxxCx(10-14)CxxxC motifs. Here, peanut and walnut VBPs were characterized as potential mediators of both peanut/walnut allergenicity and cross-reactivity despite their low (∼17%) sequence identity. The structures of one peanut (AH1.1) and 3 walnut (JR2.1, JR2.2, JR2.3) VBPs were solved using solution NMR, revealing similar α-hairpin structures stabilized by disulfide bonds with high levels of surface similarity. Peptide microarrays identified several peptide sequences primarily on AH1.1 and JR2.1, which were recognized by peanut-, walnut-, and dual-allergic patient IgE, establishing these peanut and walnut VBPs as potential mediators of allergenicity and cross-reactivity. JR2.2 and JR2.3 displayed extreme resilience against endosomal digestion, potentially hindering epitope generation and likely contributing to their reduced allergic potential.

Analysis of the Factors Affecting Static In Vitro Pepsinolysis of Food Proteins

In this meta-analysis, we collected 58 publications spanning the last seven decades that reported static in vitro protein gastric digestion results. A number of descriptors of the pepsinolysis process were extracted, including protein type; pepsin activity and concentration; protein concentration; pH; additives; protein form (e.g., ‘native’, ‘emulsion’, ‘gel’, etc.); molecular weight of the protein; treatment; temperature; and half-times (HT) of protein digestion. After careful analysis and the application of statistical techniques and regression models, several general conclusions could be extracted from the data. The protein form to digest the fastest was ‘emulsion’. The rate of pepsinolysis in the emulsion was largely independent of the protein type, whereas the gastric digestion of the native protein in the solution was strongly dependent on the protein type. The pepsinolysis was shown to be strongly dependent on the structural components of the proteins digested—specifically, β-sheet-inhibited and amino acid, leucine, methionine, and proline-promoted digestion. Interestingly, we found that additives included in the digestion mix to alter protein hydrolysis had, in general, a negligible effect in comparison to the clear importance of the protein form or additional treatment. Overall, the findings allowed for the targeted creation of foods for fast or slow protein digestion, depending on the nutritional needs.

Scientific Opinion on development needs for the allergenicity and protein safety assessment of food and feed products derived from biotechnology

This Scientific Opinion addresses the formulation of specific development needs, including research requirements for allergenicity assessment and protein safety, in general, which is urgently needed in a world that demands more sustainable food systems. Current allergenicity risk assessment strategies are based on the principles and guidelines of the Codex Alimentarius for the safety assessment of foods derived from 'modern' biotechnology initially published in 2003. The core approach for the safety assessment is based on a 'weight-of-evidence' approach because no single piece of information or experimental method provides sufficient evidence to predict allergenicity. Although the Codex Alimentarius and EFSA guidance documents successfully addressed allergenicity assessments of single/stacked event GM applications, experience gained and new developments in the field call for a modernisation of some key elements of the risk assessment. These should include the consideration of clinical relevance, route of exposure and potential threshold values of food allergens, the update of in silico tools used with more targeted databases and better integration and standardisation of test materials and in vitro/in vivo protocols. Furthermore, more complex future products will likely challenge the overall practical implementation of current guidelines, which were mainly targeted to assess a few newly expressed proteins. Therefore, it is timely to review and clarify the main purpose of the allergenicity risk assessment and the vital role it plays in protecting consumers' health. A roadmap to (re)define the allergenicity safety objectives and risk assessment needs will be required to inform a series of key questions for risk assessors and risk managers such as 'what is the purpose of the allergenicity risk assessment?' or 'what level of confidence is necessary for the predictions?'.

Abundance and Stability as Common Properties of Allergens

There have been many attempts to identify common biophysical properties which differentiate allergens from their non-immunogenic counterparts. This review will focus on recent studies which examine two such factors: abundance and stability. Anecdotal accounts have speculated that the elevated abundance of potential allergens would increase the likelihood of human exposure and thus the probability of sensitization. Similarly, the stability of potential allergens dictates its ability to remain a viable immunogen during the transfer from the source to humans. This stability could also increase the resilience of potential allergens to both gastric and endosomal degradation, further skewing the immune system toward allergy. Statistical analyses confirm both abundance and stability as common properties of allergens, while epidemiological surveys show a correlation between exposure levels (abundance) and allergic disease. Additional studies show that changes in protein stability can predictably alter gastric/endosomal processing and immunogenicity, providing a mechanistic link between stability and allergenicity. However, notable exceptions exist to both hypotheses which highlight the multifaceted nature of immunological sensitization, and further inform our understanding of some of these other factors and their contribution to allergic disease.

Statement on in vitro protein digestibility tests in allergenicity and protein safety assessment of genetically modified plants

This statement supplements and updates the GMO Panel guidance document on allergenicity of genetically modified (GM) plants published in 2017. In that guidance document, the GMO Panel considered that additional investigations on in vitro protein digestibility were needed before providing any additional recommendations in the form of guidance to applicants. Thus, an interim phase was proposed to assess the utility of an enhanced in vitro digestion test, as compared to the classical pepsin resistance test. Historically, resistance to degradation by pepsin using the classical pepsin resistance test has been considered as additional information, in a weight-of-evidence approach, for the assessment of allergenicity and toxicity of newly expressed proteins in GM plants. However, more recent evidence does not support this test as a good predictor of allergenic potential for hazard. Furthermore, there is a need for more reliable systems to predict the fate of the proteins in the gastrointestinal tract and how they interact with the relevant human cells. Nevertheless, the classical pepsin resistance test can still provide some information on the physicochemical properties of novel proteins relating to their stability under acidic conditions. But other methods can be used to obtain data on protein's structural and/or functional integrity. It is acknowledged that the classical pepsin resistance test is embedded into international guidelines, e.g. Codex Alimentarius and Regulation (EU) No 503/2013. For future development, a deeper understanding of protein digestion in the gastrointestinal tract could enable the framing of more robust strategies for the safety assessment of proteins. Given the high complexity of the digestion and absorption process of dietary proteins, it is needed to clarify and identify the aspects that could be relevant to assess potential risks of allergenicity and toxicity of proteins. To this end, a series of research questions to be addressed are also formulated in this statement.

Marine Bioactive Peptides-An Overview of Generation, Structure and Application with a Focus on Food Sources

The biggest obstacles in the application of marine peptides are two-fold, as in the case of non-marine plant and animal-derived bioactive peptides: elucidating correlation between the peptide structure and its effect and demonstrating its stability in vivo. The structures of marine bioactive peptides are highly variable and complex and dependent on the sources from which they are isolated. They can be cyclical, in the form of depsipeptides, and often contain secondary structures. Because of steric factors, marine-derived peptides can be resistant to proteolysis by gastrointestinal proteases, which presents an advantage over other peptide sources. Because of heterogeneity, amino acid sequences as well as preferred mechanisms of peptides showing specific bioactivities differ compared to their animal-derived counterparts. This review offers insights on the extreme diversity of bioactivities, effects, and structural features, analyzing 253 peptides, mainly from marine food sources. Similar to peptides in food of non-marine animal origin, a significant percentage (52.7%) of the examined sequences contain one or more proline residues, implying that proline might play a significant role in the stability of bioactive peptides. Additional problems with analyzing marine-derived bioactive peptides include their accessibility, extraction, and purification; this review considers the challenges and proposes possible solutions.

Approaches to assess IgE mediated allergy risks (sensitization and cross-reactivity) from new or modified dietary proteins

The development and introduction of new dietary protein sources has the potential to improve food supply sustainability. Understanding the potential allergenicity of these new or modified proteins is crucial to ensure protection of public health. Exposure to new proteins may result in de novo sensitization, with or without clinical allergy, or clinical reactions through cross-reactivity. In this paper we review the potential of current methodologies (in silico, in vitro degradation, in vitro IgE binding, animal models and clinical studies) to address these outcomes for risk assessment purposes for new proteins, and especially to identify and characterise the risk of sensitization for IgE mediated allergy from oral exposure. Existing tools and tests are capable of assessing potential crossreactivity. However, there are few possibilities to assess the hazard due to de novo sensitization. The only methods available are in vivo models, but many limitations exist to use them for assessing risk. We conclude that there is a need to understand which criteria adequately define allergenicity for risk assessment purposes, and from these criteria develop a more suitable battery of tests to distinguish between proteins of high and low allergenicity, which can then be applied to assess new proteins with unknown risks.

Analyzing pepsin degradation assay conditions used for allergenicity assessments to ensure that pepsin susceptible and pepsin resistant dietary proteins are distinguishable

The susceptibility of a dietary protein to proteolytic degradation by digestive enzymes, such as gastric pepsin, provides information on the likelihood of systemic exposure to a structurally intact and biologically active macromolecule, thus informing on the safety of proteins for human and animal consumption. Therefore, the purpose of standardized in vitro degradation studies that are performed during protein safety assessments is to distinguish whether proteins of interest are susceptible or resistant to pepsin degradation via a study design that enables study-to-study comparison. Attempting to assess pepsin degradation under a wide-range of possible physiological conditions poses a problem because of the lack of robust and consistent data collected under a large-range of sub-optimal conditions, which undermines the needs to harmonize in vitro degradation conditions. This report systematically compares the effects of pH, incubation time, and pepsin-to-substrate protein ratio on the relative degradation of five dietary proteins: three pepsin susceptible proteins [ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco), horseradish peroxidase (HRP), hemoglobin (Hb)], and two pepsin resistant proteins [lipid transfer protein (LTP) and soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI)]. The results indicate that proteins susceptible to pepsin degradation are readily distinguishable from pepsin-resistant proteins when the reaction conditions are within the well-characterized optima for pepsin. The current standardized in vitro pepsin resistant assay with low pH and high pepsin-to-substrate ratio fits this purpose. Using non-optimal pH and/or pepsin-to-substrate protein ratios resulted in susceptible proteins no longer being reliably degraded by this stomach enzyme, which compromises the ability of this in vitro assay to distinguish between resistant and susceptible proteins and, therefore, no longer providing useful data to an overall weight-of-evidence approach to assessing safety of proteins.

Heat processing of peanut seed enhances the sensitization potential of the major peanut allergen Ara h 6

SCOPE

Processing of food has been shown to impact IgE binding and functionality of food allergens. In the present study, we investigated the impact of heat processing on the sensitization capacity of Ara h 6, a major peanut allergen and one of the most potent elicitors of the allergic reaction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Peanut extracts obtained from raw or heat-processed peanut and some fractions thereof were biochemically and immunochemically characterized. These extracts/fractions, purified Ara h 6, or recombinant Ara h 6 including Ara h 6 mutants lacking disulfide bridges were used in in vitro digestion tests and mouse models of experimental sensitization. Peanut roasting led to the formation of complexes of high molecular weight, notably between Ara h 6 and Ara h 1, which supported the induction of IgE specific to native Ara h 6. On the contrary, a fraction containing free monomeric 2S albumins or purified native Ara h 6 displayed no intrinsic allergenicity. In addition to complex formation, heat denaturation and/or partial destabilization enhanced Ara h 6 immunogenicity and increased its sensitivity to digestion.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that sensitization potency and IgE binding capacity can be supported by different structures, modified and/or produced during food processing in interaction with other food constituents.

Physicochemical and immunological assessment of engineered pure protein particles with different redox states

The development of subunit antigen delivery formulations has become an important research endeavor, especially in cases where a whole cell vaccine approach has significant biosafety issues. Particle-based systems have shown particular efficacy due to their inherent immunogenicity. In some cases, fabrication techniques can lead to changes in the redox states of encapsulated protein antigens. By employing a uniform, well-characterized, single-protein system, it is possible to elucidate how the molecular details of particle-based protein antigens affect their induced immune responses. Using mesoporous silica-templated, amide bond-stabilized ovalbumin particles, three types of particles were fabricated from native, reduced, and oxidized ovalbumin, resulting in particles with different physicochemical properties and immunogenicity. Phagocytosis, transcription factor activation, and cytokine secretion by a mouse macrophage cell line did not reveal significant differences between the three types of particles. Oxidation of the ovalbumin, however, was shown to inhibit the intracellular degradation of the particles compared with native and reduced ovalbumin particles. Slow intracellular degradation of the oxidized particles was correlated with inefficient antigen presentation and insignificant levels of T cell priming and antibody production in vivo. In contrast, particles fabricated from native and reduced ovalbumin were rapidly degraded after internalization by macrophages in vitro and resulted in significant T cell and B cell immune responses in vivo. Taken together, the current study demonstrates how the redox state of a protein antigen significantly impacts the immunogenicity of the particulate vaccine formulations.

Magnetic chelating nanoprobes for enrichment and selective recovery of metalloproteases from human saliva

Magnetic nanoparticles effective in the selective recovery of metalloproteases from human saliva were fabricated by surface modification of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂nanoparticles with EDTA-TMS.

Leucoagglutinating phytohemagglutinin: purification, characterization, proteolytic digestion and assessment for allergenicity potential in BALB/c mice

Red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is consumed worldwide as a vegetarian protein source. But, at the same time the allergenicity potential of red kidney bean is a matter of concern. This study is aimed towards purification, characterization, thermal stability, proteolytic digestion and allergenicity assessment of one of the clinically relevant allergens of red kidney bean. The purification of red kidney bean allergic protein was carried out with the help of column chromatography, IgE immunoblotting and reverse phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The purified protein was characterized by peptide mass finger printing (PMF) and studied for its thermal stability, and proteolytic resistance using simulated gastric fluid (SGF) assay. The allergenicity potential of the purified protein was studied in BALB/c mice. The purified protein was identified as leucoagglutinating phytohemagglutinin (PHA-L) with molecular weight 29.5 kDa. The PHA-L showed resistance to heat as well as proteolytic enzyme. Higher levels of total IgE, specific IgE, and histamine were observed in PHA-L treated BALB/c mice when compared to control. Overall, PHA-L possesses characteristics of allergens and may play a potential role in the red kidney bean induced allergy.