Search

extensive engagement of researchers in the elucidation of the mechanismsunderlying processes of food digestion, allergen transport, and uptake by the immunecells and its effector immune responses. The development of the in vitro assays andcell-based models has allowed bridging the problem of food allergy research and therespect of the ethical norms in used research procedures.The red meat allergy is a novel type of food allergy characterized by theproduction of an IgE antibody against the carbohydrate galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal). Glycoproteins from non-primate mammals are rich with an α-Gal as posttranslationalmodification. Also, red meat allergy is characterized by the delayed onsetof symptoms which may be related to the mechanism and the fate of α-Gal carryingproteins in the human gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, the uptake, processing, andmechanisms of presentation of α-Gal by the immune cells are still unknown. Thereforethis doctoral dissertation aimed to investigate how protein glycosylation by α-Galaffects their susceptibility to gastric digestion, does α-Gal conjugated to proteins affectstheir transport through the Caco-2 cell monolayer, which mimics the gastrointestinallayer, and to examine the influence of α-Gal epitopes on the protein surface on theiruptake and processing by immature monocyte-derived dendritic cells (iMDDCs). Thestudy revealed that the presence of the α-Gal glycosylation on protein surface had animpact on their susceptibility to gastric digestion and the digestion pattern of theobtained protein fragments upon pepsinolysis. Prolonged survival, up to 2h of digestion,was characteristic of the large proteins fragments bearing the α-Gal epitope.Importantly, transport through the Caco-2 monolayer of proteins conjugated to α-Galwas hampered in comparison to unconjugated proteins. Furthermore, differentialcentrifugation of Caco-2 cell lysates upon transport experiments revealed that α-Galcould be detected on the intact protein in the end, Alergije na hranu su rastući problem u ljudskoj populaciji širom sveta irešavanje ovog problema zahteva opsežno angažovanje istraživača u rasvetljavanjumehanizama uključenih u procese varenja hrane, transporta alergena i njihovog unosaod strane imunih ćelija odgovornih za efektorske mehanizme imunoloških odgovora.Ovo je nezamislivo bez razvoja in vitro testova i ćelijskih modela koji premošćujuproblem istraživanja alergija na hranu uz poštovanja etičkih normi u korišćenimistraživačkim metodama.Novu vrstu alergije na hranu, alergiju na crveno meso, karakteriše sintezaimunoglobulina E kao odgovor na prisustvo šećera galaktoza-α-1,3-galaktoza (α-Gal),koji je prisutan na površini glikoproteina primata. Takođe, alergiju na crveno mesokarakteriše odložena pojava simptoma što može biti rezultat promena u mehanizmuobrade proteina koji nose α-Gal u gastrointestinalnom traktu čoveka. Dalje, unos,obrada i mehanizmi prezentacije α-Gal šećera od strane imunih ćelija još uvek nisupoznati. Stoga ciljevi ove doktorske disertacije su ispitivanje kako α-Gal glikozilacijaproteina utiče na njihovu digestiju od strane pepsina, da li α-Gal glikozilacija proteinautiče na njihov transport kroz monosloj Caco-2 ćelija, koji oponaša gastrointestinalniepitel, kao i ispitivanje uticaja α-Gal glikozilacije na površini proteina na njihov unos iobradu od strane nezrelih dendritičnih ćelijama kultivisanih iz monocita (iMDDC). Izdobijenih rezultata moze se zaključiti da prisustvo α-Gal glikozilacije na površiniproteina utiče na njihovu podložnost na digestiju a najviše na obrazac dobijenihfragmenata proteina nakon pepsinolize. Veliki fragmenti proteina koji nose α-Galprisutni su čak i do 2 sata digestije. Takođe, važno je istaći da je transport α-Galglikozilovanih proteina kroz Caco-2 monosloj otežan u poređenju sa neglikozilovanimproteinima. Dalje, diferencijalnim centrifugiranjem lizata aco-2 ćelija nakontranscitoze pokazalo je da je α-Gal prisutan na intaktnim proteinima u endozomalnimfrakcijama

Background and objectives: The relationship between air pollen quantity and the sensitization of allergic patients is crucial for both the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. Weather conditions influence the distribution of allergenic pollen and increases in pollen concentration may negatively affect the health of allergic patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the implementation of allergen immunotherapy with regard to air pollen concentration. Material and Methods: Here we examined the relationship between Betula air pollen concentration and the usage of Betula verrucosa allergen immunotherapy in Serbia. Examination covered the period from 2015 to 2018. Measurement of airborne pollen concentration was performed with Lanzoni volumetric pollen traps. The evidence of the usage of sublingual allergen immunotherapy (SLIT) was gathered from patients with documented sensitization to specific pollen. Results: During this period tree pollens were represented with 58% ± 21% of all measured air pollen species, while Betula pollen represented 15% ± 8% of all tree pollens. Betula pollination peaked in April. Allergen immunotherapy to Betula verrucosa in Serbia is entirely conducted as sublingual immunotherapy and represents 47.1% ± 1.4% of issued tree pollen SLIT. The use of pollen SLIT increased by 68% from 2015 to 2018, with an even greater increase in usage recorded for Betula SLIT—80%. Conclusions: This analysis shows a clear causative relationship between pollination and the type/prevalence of applied allergen immunotherapy. Information about the flowering seasons of allergenic plants is very important for people who suffer from allergy, for clinical allergologists, as well as for governing authorities. The presented data is of practical importance to the proper timing of immunotherapy initiation and of importance for urban landscaping. The obtained data can be the starting point for the instatement of a thorough epidemiological study and the inclusion o

An association between pollution (e.g., from traffic emissions) and the increased prevalence of respiratory allergies has been observed. Field-realistic exposure studies provide the most relevant assessment of the effects of the intensity and diversity of urban and industrial contamination on pollen structure and allergenicity. The significance of in-depth post-translational modification (PTM) studies of pollen proteomes, when compared with studies on other aspects of pollution and altered pollen allergenicity, has not yet been determined; hence, little progress has been made within this field. We undertook a comprehensive comparative analysis of multiple polluted and environmentally preserved Phleum pratense (Timothy grass) pollen samples using scanning electron microscopy, in-depth PTM profiling, determination of organic and inorganic pollutants, analysis of the release of sub-pollen particles and phenols/proteins, and analysis of proteome expression using high resolution tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, we used quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) immunoblotting. An increased phenolic content and release of sub-pollen particles was found in pollen samples from the polluted area, including a significantly higher content of mercury, cadmium, and manganese, with irregular long spines on pollen grain surface structures. Antioxidative defense-related enzymes were significantly upregulated and seven oxidative PTMs were significantly increased (methionine, histidine, lysine, and proline oxidation; tyrosine glycosylation, lysine 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal adduct, and lysine carbamylation) in pollen exposed to the chemical plant and road traffic pollution sources. Oxidative modifications affected several Timothy pollen allergens; Phl p 6, in particular, exhibited several different oxidative modifications. The expression of Phl p 6, 12, and 13 allergens were downregulated in polluted pollen, and IgE binding to pollen extract was

BackgroundMost food allergens sensitizing via the gastrointestinal tract are stable proteins that are resistant to pepsin digestion, in particular major peanut allergens, Ara h 2 and Ara h 6. Survival of their large fragments is essential for sensitizing capacity. However, the immunoreactive proteins/peptides to which the immune system of the gastrointestinal tract is exposed during digestion of peanut proteins are unknown. Particularly, the IgE reactivity of short digestion-resistant peptides (SDRPs; lt 10kDa) released by gastric digestion under standardized and physiologically relevant invitro conditions has not been investigated. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate and identify digestion products of major peanut allergens and in particular to examine IgE reactivity of SDRPs released by pepsin digestion of whole peanut grains. MethodsTwo-dimensional gel-based proteomics and shotgun peptidomics, immunoblotting with allergen-specific antibodies from peanut-sensitized patients, enzyme-linked immunosorbent inhibition assay and ImmunoCAP tests, including far ultraviolet-circular dichroism spectroscopy were used to identify and characterize peanut digesta. ResultsAra h 2 and Ara h 6 remained mostly intact, and SDRPs from Ara h 2 were more potent in inhibiting IgE binding than Ara h 1 and Ara 3. Ara h 1 and Ara h 3 exhibited sequential digestion into a series of digestion-resistant peptides with preserved allergenic capacity. A high number of identified SDRPs from Ara h 1, Ara h 2 and Ara h 3 were part of short continuous epitope sequences and possessed substantial allergenic potential. Conclusion and Clinical RelevancePeanut grain digestion by oral and gastric phase enzymes generates mixture of products, where the major peanut allergens remain intact and their digested peptides have preserved allergenic capacity highlighting their important roles in allergic reactions to peanut.

Objective: to create method for unrestrictive deep, relative quantification of post translationalmodifications (PTMs) within different proteomes. Pollution field studies of bio indicators such aspollen are valuable because of realistic situation of target contamination, however they carry thegreat extent of uncertainty in attributing and delineating the polluting effect from multiple sources.Holistic research platform focusing on comprehensively characterized and quantified PTMs ofcomparable bio-indicator proteomes could help and overcome these obstacles of field pollutionstudies.Material and Methods: Scanning electron and light microscopy assessed surface and sub pollenparticle (SPP) releasing features of timothy grass (TG) pollen. Inductively coupled atomic emissionspectrometry revealed metal elemental content in pollen while in solution trypsin digested pollenproteomes analysed with high resolution Orbitrap mass tandem spectrometry and PEAKS Suite 8.5brought quantitative information on protein expression level and its PTM profiling.Results: TG polluted pollen samples (P2) collected along regional road and chemical plant,exposed to air contaminants from road traffics and chemical plants showed 4.5 times higher SPPreleasing capacity, with notable surface changes, as well as significantly higher contents of Mn, Hgand Cd. Antioxidative enzymes (oxidoreductases, superoxide dismutases and peroxidases),including actin, were upregulated several times in polluted sample compared to ecologicallypreserved pollen (P1). While the level of spontaneous and physiological PTMs includingmethylation, acetylation, deamidation and formylation, was similar without significant changes inP1 and P2 pollens, oxidative PTMs including oxidation of Met, Lys, His, Pro and HNE and hexoseadducts showed several times higher and significant increase in abundancy of P2 compared to P1.PTMs connected to road traffic such as tyrosine nitration were very rare and low abundant.Conclusion: Results sugge

Banana je voće koje se veoma često koristi u ishrani širom sveta. Predstavljajednu od prvih čvrstih namirnica koje se uvode u ishranu kod novorođenčadi, kao ijednu od uobičajnih namirnica u ishrani hospitalizovanih pacijenata. Prijatnog je ukusa ilake svarljivosti, i bogata je nutrijentima. Ipak, pored svih dobrih strana korišćenjabanane u ishrani, ona može biti uzročnik netolerancije i alergijske reakcije.Alergijska reakcija na bananu je u većini slučajeva praćena pojavom blagihlokalnih simptoma, međutim u retkim slučajevima dolazi i do anafilaktičke reakcije.Dijagnostički reagensi koji se rutinski primenjuju u kliničkoj dijagnostici zaalergiju na bananu su se u praksi pokazali kao nepouzdani. Kao pokazatelj važnostiupotrebe pouzdanih dijagnostičkih reagenasa opisani su slučajevi anafilaktičke reakcijenakon konzumiranja banane, gde je pokazano da komercijalno dostupni reagensi nisudovoljno osetljivi da ukažu na prisustvo specifičnih IgE antitela, odnosno da postojirazvijena alergija na bananu. U cilju unapređenja dijagostičkih reagenasa za alergiju nabananu u ovom radu je optimizovan postupak za prečišćavanje tri važna alergena izbanana, označena kao Mus a 2, Mus a 4 i Mus a 5. Dobijeni pojedinačni dijagnostičkireagensi za alergiju na bananu su omogućili detekciju specifičnog IgE-a kod alergičnihosoba i pokazali su se pouzdanijim u odnosu na komercijanli alergenski ekstrakt.U literaturi, kao i u rezultatima naših istraživanja, je pokazano da osim do sadaregistrovanih alergena iz banane (WHO/IUIS baza podataka) postoji još IgE reaktivnihproteina banane koji bi mogli da se koriste radi unapređenja dijagnostifikovanja alergijena ovaj alergeni izvor. Upotrebom kombinatornih biblioteka peptidnih liganada (CPLL)razvijen je 2D imunoblot proteina iz ekstrakta banane. Detektovani su IgE reaktivniproteini banane, među kojima su i neki koji do sada nisu registrovani kao alergeni.Identifikacija proteina sa 2D mape je urađena tehnikom određivanja “proteinskog otiskaprsta" (PMF)

Background Short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) allergies affect more than 36 million people annually. Ragweed pollen grains release subpollen particles (SPP) of respirable size upon hydration or a change in air electrical conditions. The aim of this study was to characterize the proteomes and allergomes of short ragweed SPP and total pollen protein extract (TOT), and compare their effects with those of standard aqueous pollen protein extract (APE) using sera from short ragweed pollen-sensitized patients. Methods Quantitative 2D gel-based and shotgun proteomics, 1D and 2D immunoblotting, and quantitative ELISA were applied. Novel SPP extraction and preparation protocols enabled appropriate sample preparation and further downstream analysis by quantitative proteomics. Results The SPP fraction contained the highest proportion (94%) of the allergome, with the largest quantities of the minor Amb a 4 and major Amb a 1 allergens, and as unique, NADH dehydrogenases. APE was the richest in Amb a 6, Amb a 5 and Amb a 3, and TOT fraction was the richest in the Amb a 8 allergens (89% and 83% of allergome, respectively). Allergenic potency correlated well among the three fractions tested, with 1D immunoblots demonstrating a slight predominance of IgE reactivity to SPP compared to TOT and APE. However, the strongest IgE binding in ELISA was noted against APE. New allergenic candidates, phosphoglycerate mutase and phosphoglucomutase, were identified in all the three pollen fractions. Enolase, UTP-glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase and polygalacturonase were observed in SPP and TOT fractions as novel allergens of the short ragweed pollen, as previously described. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance We demonstrated that the complete major (Amb a 1 and 11) and almost all minor (Amb a 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9) short ragweed pollen allergen repertoire as well as NADH oxidases are present in SPP, highlighting an important role for SPP in allergic sensitization to short ragweed.

Modified allergens are a safer and more efficient alternative to natural allergens for specific immunotherapy. As the modification of an allergen can diminish its immunogenicity due to the alteration of T-cell epitopes, in this paper we study the effects of a reversible chemical modification of Art v 1, the main allergen of mugwort pollen, on its allergenicity and immunogenicity. Modification of Art v 1 by cis-aconitylation into a polyanionic derivative (CAA) did not result in any significant structural alteration. However, IgE-binding epitopes on CAA were blocked, resulting in a reduced IgE-binding and basophil activation. Both proteins induced proliferation of CD3(+)CD4(+) T-cells in mugwort-allergic patients, but only unmodified allergens increased IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 production. Rabbit and mouse anti-CAA antibodies exhibited cross-reactivity with native allergens and blocked human IgE-binding to Art v 1. Degradation of CAA by lysosomal fraction enzymes resulted in a similar set of peptides, harboring MHC class II-binding peptides, as unmodified proteins. Thus, cis-aconitylation modified Art v 1 had a significantly reduced allergenicity, whereas its immunogenicity was completely preserved. Acid-environment-responsive modification, which releases a full repertoire of native allergen epitopes within a particular site, can be considered a smart drug delivery system, which is able to deliver a therapeutically-effective dose in a controlled manner, and minimizes adverse side effects.

Phenolic composition of Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. pollen and sub-pollen particles (SPP) aqueous extracts was determined, using a novel extraction procedure. Total phenolic and flavonoid content was determined, as well as the antioxidative properties of the extract. Main components of water-soluble pollen phenolics are monoglycosides and malonyl-mono- and diglycosides of isorhamnetin, quercetin and kaempferol, while spermidine derivatives were identified as the dominant polyamides. SPP are similar in composition to pollen phenolics (predominant isorhamnetin and quercetin monoglycosides), but lacking small phenolic molecules ( lt 450 Da). Ethanol-based extraction protocol revealed one-third lower amount of total phenolics in SPP than in pollen. For the first time in any pollen species, SPP and pollen phenolic compositions were compared in detail, with an UHPLC/ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS-MS approach, revealing the presence of spermidine derivatives in both SPP and pollen, not previously reported in Ambrosia species. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

According to the data obtained from in vivo and in vitro testing in Serbia, a significant number of patients have allergic symptoms caused by grass pollen. We examined the protein composition of grass pollens (Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne and Phleum pratense) and cross-reactivity in patients allergic to grass pollen from our region. The grass pollen allergen extract was characterized by SDS-PAGE, while cross-reactivity of single grass pollens was revealed by immunoblot analysis. A high degree of cross-reactivity was demonstrated for all three single pollens in the sera of allergic patients compared to the grass pollen extract mixture. Confirmation of the existence of cross-reactivity between different antigenic sources facilitates the use of monovalent vaccines, which are easier to standardize and at the same time prevent further sensitization of patients and reduces adverse reactions.

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is an immune system disorder that affects 10-15% of the canine population. Short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) pollen represents one of the major seasonal sources of allergenic pollen proteins in Europe, particularly in the Pannonian valley of the Balkan region. In Serbia, about 66% of atopic dogs showed a positive intradermal skin test with its pollen extract, which is second to house dust mites. Therefore, characterization of Ambrosia artemisiifolia pollen components, in terms of defining major and minor allergens that induce clinically manifested allergic reaction in dogs, is important for valid diagnosis and efficient therapy. This study has, for the first time, characterized and identified major Ambrosia artemisiifolia allergens in CAD, using an immunoproteomic approach. To assess the prevalence of specific IgE in electrophoretically separated ragweed pollen proteins, individual reactivity of sera from dogs with CAD was analyzed and compared to the reactivity of sera from healthy dogs in the non-reducing conditions, which were found optimal for specific canine IgE detection. A specific IgE band (38 kDa) was recognized as the most dominant allergen in CAD, occurring in 81% of positive dog's sera. 2-D immunoblotting followed by a mass spectrometry peptide fingerprint analyses with pooled canine and human atopic sera, revealed that 38 kDa major Ambrosia atremisiifolia allergens in CAD were all five isoallergens of the Amb a 1 group (antigen E), including the previously named Amb a 2 (antigen K). In contrast to canine sera, human atopic sera also recognized lower mass allergens such as the 13 fragment of Amb a 1 and profilins (Amb a 8 variants). The most prominent ragweed proteins in CAD, represent, as in humans, variants of all five isoallergens of the Amb a 1 group (pectate lyase): Amb a 1.0101 and its natural variant E1XUL2, Amb a 1.0202, 1.0304, 1.0402 and the natural variant of Amb a 1.0501, E1XUM0, as well as the a fragment

Plant proteinase inhibitors are considered important defense molecules against insect and pathogen attack. The cysteine proteinase inhibitor (CPI) from green kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) belongs to the cystatin family and shows potent antifungal activity (in vitro and in vivo). However, the low abundance of this molecule in fruit (6 mu g/g of fresh fruit) seems to limit further investigations on the interaction between phytocystatin and photopathogenic fungi. In this paper the cDNA of the kiwi CPI was expressed in Escherichia coli. Fifteen N-terminal amino acids were identified by Edman degradation, and 77% of the rCPI primary structure was confirmed by mass fingerprint. The structural homology of recombinant CPI (rCPI) to its natural counterpart has been clearly demonstrated in immunological assays (immunoblot and ELISA inhibition). Biological activity of rCPI was demonstrated in inhibition assay with cysteine proteinase papain (EC50 2.78 nM). In addition, rCPI reveals antifungal properties toward pathogenic fungi (Alternaria radicina and Botrytis cinerea), which designates it as an interesting model protein for the exploration of plant phytocystatins - pathogen interactions. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of natural plant resistance could lead to the development of ecologically safe fungicides for controlling post-harvest diseases and maintaining food quality.

Common ragweed (Ambrosia atremisiifolia) is one of the most frequent causes of pollen-induced allergic reactions both in humans and dogs. It has not been defined yet, what is the major allergen(s) to which most dogs allergic to ragweed show a positive result on intradermal skin test (IDST). In the present study sensitization to Ambrosia artemisiifolia pollen allergens in dogs with atopic dermatitis was examined with both in vivo and in vitro tests, including IDST and serum allergen specific IgE test. Detection of specific-IgE antibodies against ragweed allergens by immunoblotting in the sera of allergic dogs was optimized, as well. Dogs that were positive, as judged by IDST reactions to ragweed pollen allergens, also had alergen specific IgE antibodies in their sera. Results indicate that major allergens of A. artemisifolia pollen in dogs are Amb a 1 and Amb a 2. Further characterization of ragweed allergens is needed before they could potentially be used in intradermal testing or allergen immunotherapy in affected dogs. Also, we evaluated new Favrots diagnostic criteria for canine atopic dermatitis in dogs allergic to Ambrosia atremisiifolia pollen. It might be concluded that proposed criteria are of great assistance for seting up suspected diagnosis of canine atopic dermatitis, after ruling out other pruritic dermatoses., Kratka ambrozija (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) je jedan od najčešćih uzročnika alergijskih reakcija izazvanih polenom kod ljudi i pasa. Još uvek nije definisano koji je glavni alergen (i), na koji, većina pasa alergičnih na polen ambrozije, ispoljava pozitivnu reakciju na intradermalnom testu. U ovoj studiji je ispitana senzibilizacija na polen ove biljke kod pasa sa simptomima atopijskog dermatitisa in vivo i in vitro testovima, uključujući intradermalni test i dokazivanje prisustva alergen specifičnih IgE antitela u serumu. Optimizovani su uslovi za detekciju IgE specifičnih antitela iz seruma pasa alergičnih na polen ambrozije imunoblot tehnikom. Psi koji su imali pozitivnu reakciju na polen ove biljke na intradermalnom testu, takođe su imali specifična IgE antitela u serumu. Dobijeni rezultati ukazuju da su glavni alergeni Ambrosia artemisiifolia kod pasa Amb a 1 i Amb a 2. Neophodna je dalja karakterizacija alergena ambrozije kako bi se oni mogli primeniti pri rutinskom intradermalnom testiranju ili u alergen specifičnoj imunoterapiji obolelih pasa. Takođe je razmatrana i validnost Favrotovih dijagnostičkih kriterijuma kod pasa alergičnih na polen ambrozije. Može se zaključiti da su predloženi kriterijumi od velike pomoći u postavljanju suspektne dijagnoze atopijskog dermatitisa pasa, nakon isključenja drugih pruritičnih dermatoza.

Actinidin, a cysteine protease accounting for more than 50% of the soluble proteins in kiwifruit pulp, has shown promise as a milk-clotting agent. In this study, the potential use of kiwifruit pulp extract as a clotting agent was investigated. It was shown that three kiwifruit extracts made from the pulp of a single fruit have significantly different levels of active actinidin, depending on the extraction buffer employed. Kiwifruit extract prepared at pH 5.0 had the best milk-clotting properties, with a nearly 30% better ratio of clotting activity to proteolytic activity than purified actinidin. This extract produced a casein coagulum clearly separated from the whey proteins, and was shown to be stable at room temperature for up to two months. This extract has the potential to be employed as an efficient and low-cost milk-clotting agent in the production of dairy products.

Plant proteinase inhibitors are considered important defense molecules against insect and pathogen attack. The cysteine proteinase inhibitor (CPI) from green kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) belongs to the cystatin family and shows potent antifungal activity (in vitro and in vivo). However, the low abundance of this molecule in fruit (6 mu g/g of fresh fruit) seems to limit further investigations on the interaction between phytocystatin and photopathogenic fungi. In this paper the cDNA of the kiwi CPI was expressed in Escherichia coli. Fifteen N-terminal amino acids were identified by Edman degradation, and 77% of the rCPI primary structure was confirmed by mass fingerprint. The structural homology of recombinant CPI (rCPI) to its natural counterpart has been clearly demonstrated in immunological assays (immunoblot and ELISA inhibition). Biological activity of rCPI was demonstrated in inhibition assay with cysteine proteinase papain (EC50 2.78 nM). In addition, rCPI reveals antifungal properties toward pathogenic fungi (Alternaria radicina and Botrytis cinerea), which designates it as an interesting model protein for the exploration of plant phytocystatins - pathogen interactions. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of natural plant resistance could lead to the development of ecologically safe fungicides for controlling post-harvest diseases and maintaining food quality.

For the heterologous production of a banana glucanase in Escherichia coli, its gene (GenBank GQ268963) was cloned into a pGEX-4T expression vector as a fusion protein with glutathione-S-transferase (GST). BL21 cells transformed with the GST-Mus a 5 construct were employed for production of the protein induced by 1 mM isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). The conditions for protein expression were optimized by varying the temperature (25, 30 and 37 C) and duration of protein expression (3, 6 and 12 h). The level of protein production was analyzed by densitometry of the sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAG) after electrophoretic resolution of the respective cell lysates. The optimal protein expression for downstream processing was obtained after 12 h of cell growth at 25 degrees C upon addition of IPTG. Recombinant GST-Mus a 5 purified by glutathione affinity chromatography revealed a molecular mass of about 60 kDa. The IgE and IgG reactivity of the rGST-Mus a 5 was confirmed by dot blot analysis with sera of individual patients from subjects with banana allergy and polyclonal rabbit antibodies against banana extract, respectively. The purified recombinant glucanase is a potential candidate for banana allergy diagnosis., Za potrebe proizvodnje u Escherichia coli gen glukanaze iz banane (GenBank GQ268963) je ukloniran u ekspresioni vektor pGEX-4T sa glutation-S-transferazom (GST). Proizvodnja ovog proteina u ćelijama je indukovana 1 mM izopropil-β-D-tiogalaktopiranozidom (IPTG). Uslovi za ekspresiju proteina su optimizovani variranjem temperature (25, 30 i 37°C) i dužine trajanja proteinske sinteze (3, 6 i 12 h). Nivo proizvodnje proteina je analiziran denzitometrijom SDS-PA gela nakon elektroforetskog razdvajanja ćelijskih lizata. Optimalna proizvodnja proteina za njegovo dalje procesovanje je dobijena gajenjem ćelija nakon dodatka IPTG na 25°C tokom 12 h. Rekombinantni GST-Mus a 5 prečišćen afinitetnom hromatografijom sa glutationom pokazuje molekulsku masu od 60 kDa. IgE i IgG reaktivnost izolovane glukanaze potvrđena je u 'dot blot' sa pojedinačnim serumima osoba alergičnih na bananu, i sa poliklonskim zečijim antitelima na ekstrakt banane, redom. Prečišćena rekombinantna glukanaza je potencijalan kandidat za dijagnozu alergije na bananu.

BACKGROUND: The major whey protein beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) has been widely studied for its functional properties. The aim of this study was to develop an efficient, inexpensive and rapid one-step method for the isolation and purification of BLG while preserving its native structure. RESULTS: BLGwas purified fromdefattedwheyobtainedfromrawcow's milkbyanionexchangechromatography. Protein purity and identitywere determined using reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography andmass spectrometry. Total BLG yield was 80% with protein purity from 97 to 99%. BLG isoforms A and B were separated into fractions of 91 and 99% purity respectively. The structure and native conformation of the isolated BLGwere compared with those of standard commercial BLG by circular dichroism spectrometry, susceptibility to various crosslinking enzymes and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition. CONCLUSION: Theproposedmethodis veryuseful for the rapid preparationofBLGsuitable for studying antigenicandmolecular characteristics of this protein, aswell as the effect of food processing on these properties. The procedure requires only 1 day for the purification of about 300 mgof BLG from a single run using a small column (2.5 cmx20 cm) of diethylaminoethyl Sephadex and has potential for scaling up. (C) 2011 Society of Chemical Industry

Actinidin, an abundant cysteine protease from kiwifruit, is a specific biomarker of isolated allergy to kiwifruit. This study evaluates the IgE-binding properties of biologically active and thermally inactivated actinidin. Employing two different activity assays (caseinolytic assay and zymogram with gelatin) we showed that actinidin obtained from kiwifruit extract under native conditions represents a mixture of inactive and active enzyme. The structural integrity of actinidin was confirmed by SDS-PAGE. Edman degradation, mass fingerprint and Western blot with polyclonal antibodies. Although it was capable of inducing positive skin prick test reactions, we failed to detect IgE reactivity of active actinidin in Western blot with patient sera. Thermally inactivated actinidin exhibited IgE reactivity both in vivo and in vitro, indicating that heat processed kiwifruit products may induce clinical reactivity. These findings imply that apart from the allergenic epitopes on its surface, actinidin also contains hidden epitopes inside the protein which become accessible to IgE upon thermal treatment. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

House dust mite (HDM) allergy has different clinical and immunological patterns in different geographic regions. The impact of raw material of commercial Dermatophadoides pteronyssinus (Acari: Pyroglyphidae) mite bodies on the quality of allergen extracts for allergy diagnosis in the Serbian population has not been previously evaluated. House dust mite bodies obtained from manufacturers in Europe, South America and Australia were used in the preparation of allergen extracts for in vivo diagnosis and serological analysis in a group of 14 HDM-allergic adults. In the group of mite-allergic patients, there was no statistically significant difference in skin test reactivity (Wilcoxon matched pairs test) among the three HDM body extract preparations. In a CAP inhibition assay, two extracts (A and C) achieved maximum inhibition of gt 90%, whereas extract B demonstrated a different inhibition slope and lower inhibition potential (80%). However, a remarkable difference in immunoglobulin E reactivity using Western blot analysis with individual patients' sera was observed in one of the preparations (extract B). These findings emphasize the need for the careful selection of starting material for the preparation of HDM diagnostic reagents intended for use in patients from geographically distinct regions as these preparations can have implications on the selection criteria for patient-tailored immunotherapy of HDM allergy.

Kiwifruit has become a frequent cause of fruit allergy in the recent years. The molecular basis of type I hypersensitivity to kiwifruit is attributed to 11 IUIS allergens, with Act d 1, Act d 2 and Act d 5 characterized in extenso. Evaluation of the allergenic properties of Act d 4, a cysteine proteinase inhibitor from green kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) was performed in this study. Identity of the purified glycoprotein was determined by Edman degradation and by mass fingerprint whereby more than 90% of the primary structure of the mature kiwifruit cystatin was confirmed. Using MALDI TOF analysis, molecular masses of 10902.5 and 11055.2 Da were detected for Act d 4, respectively. Positive skin prick reactivity with Act d 4 was induced in three kiwifruit allergic patients, as well as the upregulation of CD63 and CD203c molecules in the basophile activation assay. The IgE reactivity was detected in dot blot analysis while Western blot analysis was negative using sera from six kiwifruit patients, suggesting the presence of conformational IgE epitopes on the Act d 4 molecule. As activator of effector cells in type I hypersensitivity Act d 4 is a functional allergen contributing to the clinical symptoms of kiwifruit allergy.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy with house dust mite (HDM) allergen extracts can effectively alleviate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma. The efficacy of the immunotherapeutic treatment is highly dependent on the quality of house dust mite vaccines. This study was performed to assess the stability of house dust mite allergen vaccines prepared for sublingual immunotherapy. Lyophilized Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt) mite bodies were the starting material for the production of sublingual vaccines in four therapeutic concentrations. The stability of the extract for vaccine production, which was stored below 4 degrees C for one month, showed consistence in the protein profile in SDS PAGE. ELISA-inhibition showed that the potencies of Dpt vaccines during a 12 month period were to 65-80 % preserved at all analyzed therapeutic concentrations. This study showed that glycerinated Dpt vaccines stored at 4 degrees C preserved their IgE-binding potential during a 12 month period, implying their suitability for sublingual immunotherapeutic treatment of HDM allergy., Alergen-specifična imunoterapija predstavlja postupak koji može da promeni tok bolesti kod alergijskog rinitisa i astme. Kvalitet vakcine pripremljene od kućnih grinja značajno utiče na efikasnost imunoterapeutskog tretmana. Ispitivanje je imalo za cilj procenu stabilnosti vakcine kućnih grinja namenjene za sublingvalnu imunoterapiju. Telo liofilozovanih Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus grinja (Dpt-grinja) upotrebljeno je kao polazni materijal za proizvodnju sublingvalne vakcine u 4 različita terapeutska razblaženja. Potentnost Dpt vakcina praćena ELISA-inhibicijom u 4 terapeutska razblaženja, nakon 12 meseci zadržan je u svim razblaženjima u opsegu 65-80%. Ispitivanje je pokazalo da glicerolom stabilizovane Dpt vakcine za subligvalnu imunoterapiju, uz čuvanje na 4°C zadržavaju alergeni potencijal ( gt 65%) nakon 12 meseci od njihove pripreme, i kao takve mogu se koristiti za tretman alergije na kućne grinje.

The thermal stability of recombinant mannose-specific banana lectin (rBanLec), as well as its stability under conditions of simulated gastro-intestinal fluid (SGF), was investigated. rBanLec was heterologously produced in Escherichia coli, Molecular mass of rBanLec, assessed by ESI-TOF mass spectrometry, was 15972.2 Da. Thermodynamic parameters for rBanLec denaturation, obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), revealed a transition maximum temperature (T(m)) of 60.8 degrees C, calorimetric enthalpy (H(cal)) of 136.17 kcal/mol and van't Hoff enthalpy (H(VH)) of 50.27 kcal/mol. rBanLec was stable following an incubation for 2 h in SGF, and then for I h, in the simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). Intact primary structure, biological and immunological reactivity of rBanLec were all preserved following treatment under SGF and SIF conditions. In conclusion, rBanLec is a good candidate for the novel bioadhesive lectin-based drug delivery systems to the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT). (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.