Search Results (137)

Arginine kinase is a key phosphagen kinase in invertebrates that facilitates rapid ATP regeneration by reversibly transferring phosphate groups between phosphoarginine and ADP. Structural studies have shown that the enzyme adopts distinct conformations in its ligand-free and ligand-bound states, known as the “open” and “closed” forms, respectively. These conformational changes are crucial for catalytic activity, enabling precise positioning of active-site residues and loop closure during phosphoryl transfer. Transition-state analog complexes have provided additional insights by mimicking intermediate states of catalysis, supporting the functional relevance of the open/closed structural model. Furthermore, studies across multiple species reveal how monomeric and dimeric forms of arginine kinase contribute to its allosteric regulation and substrate specificity. Beyond its metabolic role, arginine kinase is also recognized as a major allergen in crustaceans. Its structural uniqueness and absence in vertebrates make it a promising candidate for selective drug targeting. By integrating crystallographic data with functional context, this review highlights conserved features and species-specific variations of arginine kinase that may inform the design of inhibitors. Such molecules have the potential to serve both as antiparasitic agents and as novel therapeutics to manage crustacean-related allergic responses in humans. Full article

Nasal irrigation (NI) is an effective, safe, low-cost strategy for treating and preventing upper respiratory tract diseases. High-volume, low-pressure saline irrigations are the most efficient method for removing infectious agents, allergens, and inflammatory mediators. This article reviews clinical evidence supporting NI use in various conditions: nasal congestion in infants, recurrent respiratory infections, acute and chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic and gestational rhinitis, empty nose syndrome, and post-endoscopic sinus surgery care. NI improves symptoms, reduces recurrence, enhances the efficacy of topical drugs, and decreases the need for antibiotics and decongestants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NI has also been explored as a complementary measure to reduce viral load. Due to the safe profile and mechanical cleansing action on inflammatory mucus, nasal irrigations represent a valuable adjunctive treatment across a wide range of sinonasal conditions. Full article

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause hypersensitivity reactions and lead to anaphylactic shock. These drugs also act as cofactors in allergic reactions. Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), found in plants, represent a unique group of allergens in which cofactors play a crucial role. This case report describes a 26-year-old female who developed anaphylactic symptoms after ingesting grapes and taking ketoprofen. The patient experienced swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, as well as shortness of breath, dizziness, and loss of consciousness, after consuming grapes and taking ketoprofen. She had previously used ketoprofen and acetylsalicylic acid without issues but had developed urticaria on several occasions after consuming multi-ingredient dishes. Skin prick tests showed positive results for peanut and orange allergens. Further testing using the ALEX multiparametric test detected antibodies to several LTP allergens. Intradermal tests with ketoprofen yielded a positive result, although irritant reactions could not be ruled out. A provocation test with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) showed no adverse reactions. Skin tests with ibuprofen were negative, and provocation tests confirmed its tolerance. A diagnosis of LTP allergy and selective ketoprofen allergy was made, with the recommendation to avoid ketoprofen and follow a diet excluding foods from the LTP group. Full article

Necrotic enteritis (NE), caused by pathogenic Clostridium perfringens, poses a significant threat to global poultry health, with estimated annual losses exceeding USD 6 billion. The rising incidence of NE has been associated with the reduced use of antibiotic growth promoters, underscoring the urgent need for alternative control measures such as vaccination. Collagen adhesin protein (CNA), a key virulence factor in NE pathogenesis, represents a promising vaccine target. The US Food and Drug Administration has begun phasing out animal testing requirements for biologics and monoclonal antibody drugs. In this study, a computational multi-epitope vaccine (MEV) targeting CNA was designed by integrating predicted Cluster of Differentiation (CD)4⁺ helper T lymphocyte (Th), CD8⁺ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), and B-cell epitopes. Bioinformatics tools were used to identify immunogenic, antigenic, and non-allergenic epitopes assembled into a 115-amino-acid peptide vaccine construct. The candidate demonstrated strong stability and solubility. In silico immune simulation predicted robust immune responses, including elevated IgG and IgM antibody levels, plasma cell proliferation, Th memory formation, and CTL activation, comparable to responses elicited by a full-length CNA. These findings support the potential of the designed peptide as one of the multiple effective NE vaccine components, offering a promising alternative to antibiotic-based approaches in poultry disease management. Full article

Gum rosin and its derivatives have been used traditionally in coatings and adhesives and are now increasingly applied in diverse medical and pharmaceutical fields. Owing to its film-forming ability, hydrophobic nature, biocompatibility, and ease of chemical modification, gum rosin has emerged as a promising excipient for controlled drug release, targeted drug delivery, and other biomedical applications. This review summarizes the evolution of gum rosin applications, from its conventional roles to its modern utilization in nanocarriers, transdermal systems, and other advanced drug delivery platforms. In addition, we discuss the challenges related to allergenicity, brittleness, and excessive hydrophobicity and propose strategies (such as chemical modification and polymer blending) to overcome these issues. This review provides a reference framework for researchers developing new rosin-based materials in pharmaceutical sciences. Full article

Background/Objectives: The guideline on allergen-specific immunotherapy of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology recommends subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in children and adults with moderate to severe symptoms. The five years cohort study described below was designed in 2020 to demonstrate non-inferiority in terms of safety, tolerability and efficacy in a paediatric population compared with adult patients treated with microcrystalline tyrosine-adsorbed allergoids for their tree and grass pollen allergy in a perennial setting. Here, we present the preliminary findings from the first year. Methods: The Combined Symptom and Medication Score was chosen as the primary endpoint of this therapy. Secondary endpoints include the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, the retrospective Rhinoconjunctivitis score, the Asthma Control Test and the Rhinitis Control Test, as well as an analysis of adverse drug reactions. Results: A total number of 320 patients were enrolled into this study, with 129 of these patients in the age group between 5 and 17 years and 191 patients in the adult age group. Mean Combined Symptom and Medication Score values did not differ significantly between minors and adults in the first pollen season after treatment induction. The retrospective score showed a strong and significant reduction in rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma symptoms. Treatment was well tolerated, with more than 80% of patients reporting no adverse drug reactions. Conclusions: The validity of this study approach of a cohort study has been confirmed by this first interim analysis for the initial course of therapy in the first year. Full article

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of mortality, with drug resistance highlighting the need for new vaccine targets. Peptidyl-prolyl isomerase A (PpiA), a conserved Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) protein, plays a role in bacterial stress adaptation and immune evasion, making it a potential target for immunotherapy. This study uses computational methods to assess PpiA’s antigenicity, structural integrity, and immunogenic potential. The PpiA sequence was retrieved from NCBI and analyzed for antigenicity and allergenicity using VaxiJen, AllerTOP, and AllergenFP. Physicochemical properties were evaluated using ProtParam, and structural models were generated through PSIPRED and SWISS-MODEL. Structural validation was performed with MolProbity, QMEANDisCo, and ProSA-Web. B-cell epitopes were predicted using BepiPred 2.0 and IEDB, while T-cell epitopes were mapped via IEDB’s MHC-I and MHC-II tools. Epitope conservation across Mtb strains was confirmed using ConSurf. Results indicate PpiA is highly antigenic, non-allergenic, and stable, with several immunogenic epitopes identified for both B- and T-cells. This study supports PpiA as a promising immunogenic target for TB vaccine development. Full article

Electrochemical biosensors have attracted widespread attention from researchers due to their simple and rapid operation. Recent advancements in nanobiotechnology have further enhanced their performance, with nanomaterials like graphene, carbon nanotubes, and metal nanoparticles being widely used as carriers for immobilizing enzymes, cells, and DNA molecules. These materials improve stability, sensitivity, and selectivity, making biosensors more effective. This article reviews the introduction, principles, and classification of enzyme-based electrode sensors, as well as their research and application progress in the detection of food risk factors (including foodborne pathogens, biotoxins, drug residues, food additives, allergens, etc.). It also explores future prospects, including advancements in nanotechnology and enzyme immobilization techniques, highlighting their potential in food safety and beyond. Full article

Sacha inchi (SI) oil press-cake (SIPC), a by-product of the sacha inchi oil extraction process, represents a novel protein source with potential bioactive applications in food. In this study, a sacha inchi protein concentrate (SPC) derived from SIPC was subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) using the INFOGEST 2.0 protocol. The resulting digests were fractionated by ultrafiltration (<3, 3–10, and >10 kDa), and the bioactive properties of the peptide fractions were evaluated. In vitro α-amylase inhibition was assessed, along with immunomodulatory markers (NO, IL-6, and TNF-α), in an ex vivo RAW 264.7 cell model. Both gastric and intestinal digests exhibited significant α-amylase inhibition (20–45%), with the <3 kDa intestinal fraction showing the highest inhibition (45% at 20 mg/mL). Both gastric and intestinal <3 kDa fractions reduced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages subjected to a lipopolysaccharide challenge. HPLC-MS/MS analysis facilitated de novo sequencing of the peptide fractions, identifying 416 peptides resistant to SGID through the find-pep-seq script, which were further assessed in silico for toxicity, allergenicity, and bioavailability, revealing no significant risks and potential drug-likeness development. Molecular docking simulations of three peptides (RHWLPR, RATVSLPR, and QLSNLEQSLSDAEQR) with α-amylase and four peptides (PSPSLVWR, RHWLPR, YNLPMLR, and SDTLFFAR) with the TLR4/MD-2 complex suggesting potential roles in α-amylase inhibition and anti-inflammatory activity, respectively. The findings suggest that SI protein concentrates could be used in functional foods to prevent starch breakdown through α-amylase-inhibiting peptides released during digestion, reduce blood glucose, and mitigate inflammation and oxidative tissue damage. Full article

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) modifies immune responses to treat allergies. AIT treatment is a 3-month to 3-year long-term strategy, and its potential candidates are allergic rhinitis and asthma, food allergy, and insect venom allergy. AIT can be administered through specific routes recognized for allergy treatment strategies. A considerable body of knowledge about AIT is available, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT). The AIT effective type for other allergens and the route of administration are a real challenge. This paper reviews published literature on AIT mechanisms, administration routes, and safety. Full article

Peanut allergy, a significant public health issue, poses challenges due to its potential for life-threatening anaphylaxis and profound impact on quality of life. Traditional management approaches, including allergen avoidance and epinephrine administration, are effective in mitigating acute symptoms but do not address the underlying allergy or long-term disease burden. Recent advances in immunotherapy and biologics, as well as innovative technologies such as gene editing and microbiome modulation, have introduced promising pathways for desensitization and sustained unresponsiveness. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of emerging therapies for peanut allergy, including oral, sublingual, and epicutaneous immunotherapy, biologic agents, gene-editing techniques, and novel drug therapies. We discuss their mechanisms, clinical efficacy, and associated challenges, emphasizing the potential for these innovations to revolutionize peanut allergy treatment. Despite significant progress, barriers such as adverse reactions, cost, and limited access remain. Addressing these challenges through further research and standardization could transform the future of peanut allergy management. Full article

Tick-bite hypersensitivity encompasses a range of clinical manifestations, from localized allergic reactions to systemic conditions like alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), an IgE-mediated allergy to galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal). This study investigated the clinical, molecular, immunological, and genetic features of two hypersensitivity cases. Two cases were analyzed: a 30-year-old woman with fixed drug reaction (FDR)-like hypersensitivity and a 10-year-old girl with AGS exhibiting borderline α-Gal-specific IgE. Diagnostic methods included allergen-specific IgE quantification, HLA genotyping, histopathological examination, and the molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens using microfluidic PCR. Case I demonstrated histopathological features of chronic lymphocytic inflammation and eosinophilic infiltrates, with HLA-B13 and DRB113 alleles indicating genetic susceptibility to hypersensitivity, while histological findings suggested a localized FDR-like reaction. Case II exhibited borderline α-Gal-specific IgE, resolving completely with a mammalian-free diet. The presence of HLA-DRB101 and DQB1*05 in the second patient indicated a genetic predisposition to AGS and other atopic conditions. No infectious etiology was identified in either case. These findings emphasize the heterogeneity of tick-related hypersensitivity and the importance of HLA genotypes in susceptibility. Comprehensive molecular, immunological, and genetic profiling offers valuable insights into the mechanisms of hypersensitivity, supporting personalized approaches for the diagnosis and management of tick-induced allergic conditions. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with rising prevalence, marked by eczematous lesions, itching, and a weakened skin barrier often tied to filaggrin gene mutations. This breakdown allows allergen and microbe entry, with thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) playing a crucial role by activating immune pathways that amplify the allergic response. TSLP’s central role in AD pathogenesis makes it a promising therapeutic target. Consequently, in this study, we used the virtual drug screening, molecular dynamics simulation, and binding free energies calculation approaches to explore the African Natural Product Database against the TSLP protein. The molecular screening identified four compounds with high docking scores, namely SA_0090 (−7.37), EA_0131 (−7.10), NA_0018 (−7.03), and WA_0006 (−6.99 kcal/mol). Furthermore, the KD analysis showed a strong binding affinity of these compounds with TSLP, with values of −5.36, −5.36, −5.34, and −5.32 kcal/mol, respectively. Moreover, the strong binding affinity of these compounds was further validated by molecular dynamic simulation analysis, which revealed that the WA_0006-TSLP is the most stable complex with the lowest average RMSD. However, the total binding free energies were −40.5602, −41.0967, −27.3293, and −51.3496 kcal/mol, respectively, showing the strong interaction between the selected compounds and TSLP. Likewise, these compounds showed excellent pharmacokinetics characteristics. In conclusion, this integrative approach provides a foundation for the development of safe and effective treatments for AD, potentially offering relief to millions of patients worldwide. Full article

Solenopsis invicta, a South American ant species from the Formicidae family (subfamily Myrmicinae), has recently established a stable settlement in Europe, raising public health concerns due to its venomous stings. The venom of S. invicta is rich in bioactive molecules, particularly piperidine alkaloids such as solenopsin A and peptides (Sol 1–4). These compounds have been implicated in various health applications, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumour activities. While previous reviews have focused on the ecological and allergenic risks posed by S. invicta, this scoping review aims to evaluate the potential therapeutic uses of S. invicta venom by summarizing existing scientific evidence and providing a novel synthesis of recent research on its bioactive components. Furthermore, this study, by describing the unique biological aspects of S. invicta, provides an overview of its direct impact on public health, highlighting new findings on the venom’s role in inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation and modulating cancer growth pathways through gene regulation. A search of databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library) identified 12,340 articles, from which 11 studies met the eligibility criteria. These studies included seven microbiological investigations and four studies on tumour cell lines and animal models. The findings suggest that S. invicta venom could inhibit biofilm formation, combat fungal infections, and suppress tumour growth. However, further research, including clinical trials, is required to fully elucidate the safety and efficacy of these bioactive molecules in human medicine, for their potential use in drug discovery to counteract several diseases, including cancer. Full article

Peanut allergy, one of the most frequently occurring allergies, usually starts in childhood and rarely subsides—often persisting throughout adult life. Accidental exposure to peanuts can often result in adverse reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening, such as anaphylactic shock. Historically, food avoidance and the use of rescue drugs have remained a fundamental management mechanism for dealing with food allergy. However, prevention of adverse reactions to food allergy is playing an increasing role. This is possible through the early introduction of peanuts into the diet, especially in infants at risk of this allergy. In recent years, specific immunotherapy has been used to develop desensitisation and, in some patients, tolerance—defined as a persistent state of clinical non-reactivity to the allergen after therapy is finished. The aim of this article is to summarise the current state of knowledge on the prevention and treatment of peanut allergy, with a focus on clinical trials, current guidelines, and recent experimental studies. This review may be particularly useful for paediatricians and general practitioners. Full article