B-cell epitope peptide immunotherapy alleviates chitin-binding protein-induced type 2 airway inflammation in a Blomia tropicalis-murine model
Abstract Background Peptide immunotherapy (PIT) offers a safe and effective treatment with minimal side effects. This study aims to identify B-cell epitopes of a novel allergen from Blomia tropicalis (B. tropicalis), specifically the Chitin-binding domain type 2 (ChtBD2) protein, and evaluate the th...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Respiratory Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12931-025-03207-8 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background Peptide immunotherapy (PIT) offers a safe and effective treatment with minimal side effects. This study aims to identify B-cell epitopes of a novel allergen from Blomia tropicalis (B. tropicalis), specifically the Chitin-binding domain type 2 (ChtBD2) protein, and evaluate the therapeutic effects of peptide treatment in a murine model. Methods Using Alphafold2, the 3D structure of ChtBD2 was constructed. AI-based and traditional computational tools predicted the predominant B-cell epitopes. Twelve synthesized peptides were assessed for allergenicity and immunogenicity. A murine model of B. tropicalis-induced allergic airway inflammation mimicking human atopic asthma was developed and analyzed. Results Predominant B-cell epitopes of ChtBD2 were identified as promising IgE-binding domains. Peptide 1 (PT1: 1–15) showed significant IgE-binding activity and the highest inhibition rate in competitive IgE-binding assays. PT1 upregulated IL-4, IL-13, and CD63 in B. tropicalis-sensitized patients’ PBMCs and basophils, respectively. Notably, IT groups showed reduced lung cellular infiltration and type 2 cytokine expression in BALF. Specific IgE levels were reduced, with a decline in the IgG1/IgG2a ratio. Conclusions This study represents the first AI-facilitated development of a B-cell epitope-based ChtBD2 PIT, showing promise as an immunotherapy for B. tropicalis-allergic patients with reduced allergenicity and high immunogenicity in inducing IgG-blocking antibodies. Clinical trial Not applicable. |
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| ISSN: | 1465-993X |