Search Results (279)

Contact dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disorder triggered by exposure to allergens or irritants and characterized by erythema, swelling, and immune cell infiltration. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of exosome-like nanovesicles derived from Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. (PjELNs) using a 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB)-induced mouse model of contact dermatitis. Intraperitoneal administration of PjELNs markedly reduced ear swelling and histopathological damage and decreased infiltration of inflammatory immune cells, particularly neutrophils. Moreover, PjELNs downregulated the expression of key pro-inflammatory cytokines, including CXCL2 and IL-1β, in the affected tissue. These findings indicate that PjELNs alleviate contact dermatitis-associated inflammation and suggest their potential as a novel plant-derived therapeutic modality for inflammatory skin diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: Allergen-specific immunotherapy remains the only disease-modifying treatment for allergic diseases, and the use of recombinant hypoallergenic derivatives is a promising therapeutic approach. Among these, BTH2 has previously shown efficacy in an acute murine model of allergy induced by Blomia tropicalis. The present study aimed to evaluate both the efficacy and safety of BTH2 in a chronic asthma model induced by B. tropicalis. Methods: A/J male mice (n = 6) were sensitized and chronically challenged with B. tropicalis extract over four months. One group repeatedly received subcutaneous doses of BTH2 (25 µg) for three months (65 doses). Parameters of allergic airway inflammation, antibody profiles, cytokine levels, and markers of AIT success were evaluated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung tissue, serum, and splenocyte cultures. Results: Repeated BTH2 administration was well tolerated, with no signs of systemic toxicity. BTH2 significantly reduced neutrophilic and eosinophilic airway inflammation, while increasing lymphocytes and regulatory cytokines in the lungs. It suppressed IgE against B. tropicalis allergens, while inducing mucosal IgA responses and systemic IgG, which may be linked to the observed blocking antibody activity in BTH2-treated mice. The treatment also led to downregulation of Th2 cytokines and enhanced expression of regulatory and Th1-associated cytokines, especially IL-10, TGF-β and IFN-γ. Correlation matrix analyses indicated that regulatory cytokines were correlated with beneficial antibody responses and reduced inflammation. Conclusions: BTH2 shows strong therapeutic and immunomodulatory effects in a chronic asthma model induced by B. tropicalis, with a favorable safety profile. These findings support its potential for future clinical trials, including those involving patients with allergic asthma. Full article

Advancements in genome editing have transformed agricultural biotechnology by allowing for precise modifications of DNA. This technology has sparked increasing interest in enhancing important traits of major crops, including peanuts. As a nutritionally rich legume prized for its high oil content, peanut production still faces significant challenges, including disease outbreaks, nutrient deficiencies, and pest infestations. Addressing these challenges is essential for achieving high yields and sustainable cultivation. CRISPR technology, a cutting-edge genome editing tool, has emerged as a powerful platform for improving peanut traits. Its ability to facilitate gene knockouts, regulate gene expression, and introduce targeted genetic changes has accelerated research efforts in this field. The successful applications of CRISPR in peanut improvement, such as increasing oleic acid content and reducing allergenicity, reassure us about the effectiveness and potential of this technology. Despite the complexity of the peanut genome as a polyploid crop, these successes demonstrate the power of genome editing. This review emphasizes the crucial role of genome editing in enhancing peanut traits and outlines the promising future of CRISPR-based approaches in advancing peanut breeding and agricultural productivity. Full article

Background: Mammalian orthoreovirus is a ubiquitous double-stranded RNA virus that causes mild respiratory and enteric infections, primarily in infants and young children. Its significant environmental stability and association with conditions like celiac disease highlight an unmet medical need, as no licensed vaccine or antiviral treatment currently exist. Methods: An immunoinformatics-driven approach was employed to design a multi-epitope vaccine. The highly antigenic inner capsid protein Sigma-2 was used to predict cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), helper T lymphocyte (HTL), and linear B cell epitopes using NetCTL, NetMHCpan, NetMHCIIpan, and IEDB tools. Selected epitopes were fused with appropriate linkers. The construct’s antigenicity, allergenicity, and physicochemical properties were evaluated. The tertiary structure was predicted with AlphaFold2, refined, and validated. Molecular docking with TLR2 and TLR4 was performed using HDOCK, and immune response simulation was conducted with C-ImmSim. Finally, the sequence was codon-optimized for E. coli expression using JCat. Results: The final vaccine construct comprises one CTL, four HTLs, and one B cell epitope. It is antigenic (VaxiJen score: 0.5026), non-allergenic, and non-toxic and possesses favorable physicochemical properties, including stability (instability index: 32.28). Molecular docking revealed exceptionally strong binding to key immune receptors, particularly TLR2 (docking score: −324.37 kcal/mol). Immune simulations predicted robust antibody production (elevated IgM, IgG1, and IgG2) and lasting memory cell formation. Codon optimization yielded an ideal CAI value of 0.952 and a GC content of 57.15%, confirming high potential for recombinant expression. Conclusions: This study presents a novel multi-epitope vaccine candidate against reovirus, designed to elicit broad cellular and humoral immunity. Comprehensive in silico analyses confirm its structural stability, potent interaction with innate immune receptors, and high potential for expression. These findings provide a strong rationale for further wet-lab studies to validate its efficacy and advance it as a promising prophylactic candidate. Full article

Air–liquid interface (ALI) cultures offer a physiologically relevant in vitro model of the airway epithelium (AE), capable of recapitulating key structural and functional features observed in vivo. In this study, we established and validated a murine ALI culture system comprising pseudostratified epithelia with functional tight junctions, ciliated cells and goblet cells. To assess their innate immune functions, we designed and 3D-printed an autoclavable aerosol deposition chamber, which allowed us to expose differentiated AE cultures to house dust mite (HDM) allergen. Upon HDM exposure, AE cells mounted a time-dependent innate immune response characterized by the secretion of complement component C3, the generation of its active cleavage products C3a and increased expression of C3aR and C5aR1. This was associated with increased intracellular TSLP and IL-25 production and TSLP release in AE cells. Progressive loss of tight junction integrity and reduced transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) demonstrated epithelial susceptibility to allergen protease-induced cell damage. Together, we established a murine ALI system preserving airway epithelial architecture and a nebulization system to study innate immune activation of AE cells in response to HDM mimicking the initial phase of allergen sensitization. More generally, we described a powerful and accessible platform for studying epithelial-driven mechanisms in murine airway immune responses. Full article

Allergenic proteins in natural rubber latex (NRL) pose significant health risks, particularly in rubber gloves. This study evaluated RNA interference (RNAi) technology for silencing HbREF (rubber elongation factor) and HbSRPP (small rubber particle protein) genes in Hevea brasiliensis to reduce latex allergen content. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting these genes demonstrated high stability at 25–37 °C for 6 h and under UV/outdoor conditions for 72 h, but degraded rapidly above 50 °C. Among the three delivery methods tested, direct injection achieved the highest efficiency (>90% gene silencing within 12 h), followed by root drenching (54–84%) and foliar spray (46–70%). HbREF silencing achieved 98–99% expression reduction within 3 h, while HbSRPP showed dose-dependent responses (70–90% silencing) without off-target effects. Gene silencing affected downstream rubber synthesis genes HbCPT (cis-prenyltransferase) and HbRME (rubber membrane elongation protein) (37–58% reduction) while upstream genes remained unaffected. HbREF silencing reduced Hev b1 allergen by 64.04% and Hev b3 by 12.51%, whereas HbSRPP silencing decreased Hev b3 by 71.54% and Hev b1 by 13.48%. Both treatments caused only a 11–13% reduction in dry rubber content. This RNAi approach effectively reduces major latex allergens while maintaining rubber production, demonstrating commercial potential for developing hypoallergenic rubber products through precision agriculture biotechnology. Full article

Occupational asthma (OA) and rhinitis are health problems occurring in facilities employing animals for medical and scientific reasons. We have compared the UK trends (2006–2023) in these outcomes reported to the SWORD scheme with changes in routine and personal air monitoring for the major mouse (Mus m 1) and rat (Rat n 1) allergens. The exposure data contained 1540 and 688 mouse and rat results, respectively, expressed in ng.m⁻³. The median, 75th and 90th percentiles were used as exposure characteristics, and annually incrementing three-yearly rolling data slices compared exposure and health outcomes by linear regression. The median, P75 and P90 for Mus m 1 all showed annual declines of around 5–6% (p < 0.001), suggesting general improvements in controlling mouse allergen exposure, but without evidence of a decline in rat allergen levels (p > 0.05), although control measures for both species are largely identical. An annual mean decline in OA of 2.9% (p = 0.021) was identified, but without a significant decline in rhinitis (−1.4%; p = 0.21). Over 16 years, reductions in exposure to the predominant rodent species were accompanied by a concomitant but smaller reduction in OA. These data confirm the immediate value of controlling relevant allergen exposure in reducing the incidence of IgE-E mediated OA. Full article

Food allergies are an increasing concern in modern society. Tomatoes as an important component of a healthy diet, are being rich in vitamins and antioxidants; however, they also contain allergens that trigger allergic reactions in approximately 2–10% of the European population. This study aimed to analyze and compare the levels of selected allergens and antioxidants in eight different tomato cultivars (four Polish and four Cypriot). Tomato cultivars were selected due to the widespread cultivation and clear differences in fruit traits and biochemical composition. This diversity provided a solid basis for examining variation in allergen expression and antioxidant content, ensuring that the quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) assay would be broadly applicable. The RT-qPCR assay successfully detected tomato allergens, while the obtained results demonstrated that Polish cultivars exhibited higher acidity, with lycopene and ß-carotene levels varying among all cultivars (p < 0.05). Polish cultivars contained significantly more ß-carotene than Cypriot cultivars (p < 0.05). Antioxidant activity, measured by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays, revealed that certain Cypriot cultivars displayed higher antioxidant activity (p < 0.05), whereas Polish cultivars exhibited greater variability in antioxidant parameters. Furthermore, statistical analysis of the relationship between allergen concentration and antioxidant activity revealed distinct patterns in Polish and Cypriot cultivars. In Polish tomatoes, a strong positive correlation between antioxidant measures and allergen content was observed, while in Cypriot cultivars, the correlations between antioxidant parameters were less consistent. Full article

Background: Messenger RNA-lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) is a cutting-edge nucleic acid intracellular delivery technology. Although the clinical use of the mRNA vaccine is being actively developed, the use of mRNA-LNP technology in common diseases such as allergies is still being investigated. The purpose of this study is to test if immune response can be suppressed when an antigen is expressed in mice liver tissue with mRNA-LNP technology. Methods: We first designed mRNA which the ovalbumin (OVA) antigen expresses on the surface of the cells, and synthesized mRNA were encapsulated into LNP. This OVA-mRNA-LNP was evaluated with an OVA-sensitized mouse model. Splenocytes from OVA-sensitized mice were cultured with ex vivo OVA stimulation for Th2 cytokine production and Treg population analysis. Furthermore, OVA-mRNA-LNP was evaluated by both prophylactic and therapeutic administration in an OVA-induced mice airway inflammation model. Results: Th2 cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-5 were suppressed and the Treg population was increased in ex vivo OVA-stimulated splenocytes isolated from the OVA-mRNA-LNP administered group. Moreover, suppression of Th2 cytokines in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF) from both the prophylactic and therapeutic OVA-mRNA-LNP administered cohort was observed (40–80% reduction in Th2 cytokines). Conclusions: The data suggests that mRNA-LNP technology, which is a safe, non-viral gene delivery system, can be an effective approach to suppress allergen-induced inflammation by expressing antigen in the liver tissue. Full article

Background: Food-allergic reactions in restaurants often result from miscommunication between customers with allergies and staff, or from staff members’ insufficient knowledge of food allergies. This study examined the behaviors, attitudes, and risk perceptions of food-allergic consumers when dining out or ordering from foodservice establishments (FSEs) compared to consumers without food allergies. Methods: A representative pan-Canadian survey was conducted amongst three groups: one of individuals without food allergies (n = 500) and two of food-allergic individuals (allergic-convenience sample [n = 500] and allergic-general population [n = 500]). The convenience sample comprised members of Food Allergy Canada, a national patient advocacy organization. Some participants with food allergies had experienced reactions linked to an FSE (43% convenience, 27% general). Weighted responses from food-allergic groups were compared to those of non-allergic ones using chi-square (p < 0.05). Statistical comparison between allergic groups was not attempted due to inherent differences in their allergic condition. Results: In several questions, responses from the non-allergic group differed significantly from those of the allergic-convenience sample, but not from those of the allergic-general population. Food-allergic-convenience respondents were more likely to avoid ordering food or dining out than non-allergic ones, with the highest avoidance (66%) noted for third-party platforms. Cost was the main barrier for non-allergic and allergic-general populations, whereas the allergic-convenience sample prioritized allergy-related concerns. Although at a lower rate than for participants with food allergies, food allergies influenced restaurant selection for 44% of participants without food allergies when dining with individuals outside their household. Most allergic respondents perceived that FSEs underestimate the seriousness of food allergies (82% convenience, 71% general), yet they felt safe while dining out (60% convenience, 85% general), pointing at loyalty to specific FSEs as a risk mitigation strategy. Conclusions: This study highlights a potentially higher burden of disease (psychological and social strain, reduced quality of life) among a subgroup of the food-allergic population (convenience sample), as reflected in their behaviors, attitudes, and risk perceptions towards meals prepared in FSEs. Nevertheless, both allergic groups expressed shared concerns and needs related to safety (e.g., ingredient disclosure for all menu items, prevention of allergen cross-contact, ability of an FSE to offer a safe meal, establishing clear communication processes for allergy-related information), which FSEs and regulators should consider when designing risk management strategies. Full article

Food allergy represents a prevalent immunological disorder, with current clinical management primarily emphasizing allergen avoidance and emergency pharmacological intervention. Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides, the principal bioactive constituents of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Eucommia ulmoides, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; however, their specific effects on food allergies remain inadequately characterized. A total of thirty-six female BALB/c mice were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 12 per group): the control group (CON group, receiving saline treatment), the allergic model group (OVA group, subjected to ovalbumin sensitization), and the intervention group (OVA+PS group, undergoing OVA sensitization followed by Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides administration via gavage). The anti-allergic efficacy of Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides was comprehensively evaluated through clinical allergy symptom scoring, histological and pathological tissue analysis, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) for the assessment of key gene expression, and 16S rDNA sequencing. The findings indicated the following: (1) The allergy scores in the OVA+PS group were significantly lower than those in the OVA group (p < 0.01). Following OVA stimulation, the rectal temperature of mice in the OVA group decreased sharply, whereas the temperature decline in the OVA+PS group was more gradual compared to the model group. (2) The liver, kidney, spleen, and intestinal tissues of mice in the OVA+PS group exhibited normal morphology, consistent with the CON group, which suggests that Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides effectively mitigates the local inflammatory response induced by food allergy. (3) The expression of NICD in the spleen of mice in the OVA+PS group was significantly higher than in the OVA group (p < 0.05), while the expression of the Hes1 gene was significantly elevated in the OVA group compared to both the CON and OVA+PS groups (p < 0.05). In the OVA group, the expression level of Gata-3 was significantly elevated compared to both the CON group and the OVA+PS group (p < 0.05). Similarly, the expression of STAT5 in the OVA group was markedly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05). (4) Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides were found to modulate the intestinal microbiota composition in allergic mice, notably increasing the expression abundance of Enterobacter, Oscillibacter, and Butyricicoccus, while decreasing the expression abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Turicibacter. (5) There was a correlation between alterations in the intestinal microbiota of mice and the expression of key genes. Specifically, the relative abundance of Blautia was negatively correlated with the expression of NICD and Gata-3 genes (p < 0.05), and the relative abundance of the Lachnospiraceae_FCS020_group was negatively correlated with the expression of the Hes1 gene (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides demonstrate potential in alleviating allergic symptoms, providing a scientific foundation for the development of novel natural anti-allergic functional foods. Full article

Background/Objectives: School-age children with food allergies (FAs) face substantial psychosocial challenges. Herein, we aimed to synthesize the experiences of such children. Methods: A systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022359854). A systematic search was conducted of eight databases. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The data were synthesized through meta-aggregation, and the confidence in the findings was assessed using the ConQual approach. Results: Seventy-three unequivocal findings were extracted and synthesized into three integrated findings. (1) Children with FAs live with daily fear, social restrictions, and emotional stress. To ensure their safety and foster self-management skills, the trusted adults in their lives must be well-informed about allergy management. (2) Children with FAs experience isolation, teasing, and exclusion from peers, whereas peer communication can foster understanding and acceptance. To address this, schools must promote peer empathy, provide allergy education, and build inclusive environments that empower children to express their needs safely. (3) Motivated by curiosity and personal goals, some children engage in oral immunotherapy or allergen reintroduction, leading to meaningful outcomes, such as increased food choices, social inclusion, and reduced anxiety. At the same time, they face emotional and physical burdens, highlighting the need for safety-focused, informed, supported care that considers both the benefits and burdens. Conclusions: This review highlights the need for child-centered, emotionally supportive, and inclusive care involving families, schools, and healthcare providers. However, the moderate ConQual score of the synthesized findings indicates that the recommendations should be considered with caution. Full article

Fruit shape is an important quality and yield trait of pear, and the fruit shape of ‘Laiyang Cili’ presents a spindle shape which seriously affects its commercial value. Calyx excision treatment could change the fruit shape, while the underlying genes and their regulatory mechanism remain poorly understood. In this study, we constructed RNA-seq libraries of pear treated with calyx excision to explore underlying regulatory mechanisms. At the early stage of the calyx excision treatment, the numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between each comparison group were relatively high and gradually decreased along with fruit development. The expression pattern of the DEGs ranked in the top 30 of the six groups had obvious divergence, and DEGs were mainly distributed in the “after calyx excision treatment (0 days)” (AC0d) and AC2d groups. The DEGs were mainly enriched in plant hormone signal transduction and plant defense response. We identified 17 candidate genes related to fruit shape and tested their expression patterns along with fruit development. Among them, nine candidate genes expression trends were consistent with fragments per kilobase of exon model per million mapped fragment (FPKM) values, including MYB62, outer envelope pore protein 62 (OEP62), auxin response factor 3 (ARF3), auxin-responsive protein 50 (SAUR50), protein phosphatase 2C 51 (PP2C 51), major allergen Pyr c 1 (PYRC1), aquaporin TIP1-3 (TIP1-3), transcription factor TGA4 (TGA4) and auxin-responsive protein 17 (IAA17). And then, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) analysis revealed that the OVATE family protein (OFP) and SUN domain-containing protein (SUN) were divided into the MEblue model, which had a positive correlation with calyx excision treatment, and the expression trend of LOC103960706 (OFP8) appeared cohesive with FPKM values. Pbr014104.1 and Pbr016952.1, which were the ortholog genes of LOC103960706, were further identified from the pear genome, and were found to be highly expressed in pear fruit through RT-PCR analysis. Taken together, the key stage determining the development of fruit shape was in the early stage after calyx excision treatment, and fruit shape regulation and development were co-regulated by multiple genes. Full article

Activation of macrophages plays a key role in both inflammation and oxidative stress, key features of many chronic diseases. Pro-inflammatory M1-like macrophages, in particular, contribute to pro-oxidative environments and are a frequent focus of immunological research. This research examined the effects of kiwifruit allergen Act d 1, in comparison to LPS, on THP-1 macrophages in vitro differentiated under optimized conditions, both in the presence and in the absence of selected vanilloids. THP-1 monocyte differentiation was optimized by varying PMA exposure and resting time. Act d 1 induced M1-like phenotypic changes comparable to LPS, including upregulation of CD80, IL-1β and IL-6 secretion, gene expression of iNOS and NF-κB activation, in addition to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and catalase activity. Treatment with specific vanilloids mitigated these responses, primarily through reduced oxidative stress and NF-κB activation. Notably, vanillin (VN) was the most effective, also reducing CD80 expression and IL-1β levels. These results suggest that vanilloids can affect pro-inflammatory signaling and oxidative stress in THP-1 macrophages and highlight their potential to alter inflammatory conditions characterized by similar immune responses. Full article

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) has caused 148,892 confirmed cases and 341 deaths from 137 countries worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting the urgent need for effective vaccines to prevent the spread of MPXV. Traditional vaccine development is low-throughput, expensive, time consuming, and susceptible to reversion to virulence. Alternatively, a reverse vaccinology approach offers a rapid, efficient, and safer alternative for MPXV vaccine design. Here, MPXV proteins associated with viral infection were analyzed for immunogenic epitopes to design multi-epitope vaccines based on B-cell, CD4+, and CD8+ epitopes. Epitopes were selected based on allergenicity, antigenicity, and toxicity parameters. The prioritized epitopes were then combined via peptide linkers and N-terminally fused to various protein adjuvants, including PADRE, beta-defensin 3, 50S ribosomal protein L7/12, RS-09, and the cholera toxin B subunit (CTB). All vaccine constructs were computationally validated for physicochemical properties, antigenicity, allergenicity, safety, solubility, and structural stability. The three-dimensional structure of the selected construct was also predicted. Moreover, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations between the vaccine and the TLR-4 immune receptor demonstrated a strong and stable interaction. The vaccine construct was codon-optimized for high expression in the E. coli and was finally cloned in silico into the pET21a (+) vector. Collectively, these results could represent innovative tools for vaccine formulation against MPXV and be transformative for other infectious diseases. Full article