Differentiating Wild and Apiary Honey by Elemental Profiling: a Case Study from Mangroves of Indian Sundarban.

Honey is a natural substance produced by honeybees from the nectar or secretion of flowering plants. Along with the botanical and geographical origin, several environmental factors also play a major role in determining the characteristics of honey. The aim of this study is to determine and compare the elemental concentration of various macro and trace elements in apiary and wild honeys collected from different parts of Indian Sundarbans. The elemental analysis was performed in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy preceded by microwave digestion method. The concentrations of 19 elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn) were investigated from thirteen locations of Indian Sundarbans. This comparative study shows in wild honey samples, the concentration of K was highest followed by Ca, Mg and Na and Zn was lowest among all. In contrast, in apiary honey samples, Ca had maximum concentration followed by K, Mg and Na and Ag had minimum among all. The elemental concentration in honey from apiary was either equal or higher than their wild counterpart. The results of the factor analysis of PCA algorithm for wild and apiary honey samples were highly variable which implies that the elements are not coming from the same origin. The concentration of element was found to be highly variable across sites and across sources of honey samples.

Clinical characterization and Genomic analysis of COVID-19 breakthrough infections during second wave in different states of India

During March to June 2021 India has experienced a deadly second wave of COVID-19 with an increased number of post-vaccination breakthrough infections reported across the country. To understand the possible reason of these breakthroughs we collected 677 clinical samples (throat swab/ nasal swabs) of individuals who had received two doses (n=592) and one dose (n=85) of vaccines (Covishield and Covaxin,) and tested positive for COVID-19, from 17 states/Union Territories of country. These cases were telephonically interviewed and clinical data was analyzed. A total of 511 SARS-CoV-2 genomes were recovered with genome coverage of higher than 98% from both the cases. Analysis of both the cases determined that 86.69% (n=443) of them belonged to the Delta variant along with Alpha, Kappa, Delta AY.1 and Delta AY.2. The Delta variant clustered into 4 distinct sub-lineages. Sub-lineage-I had mutations: ORF1ab-A1306S, P2046L, P2287S, V2930L, T3255I, T3446A, G5063S, P5401L, A6319V and N-G215C; Sub-lineage -II : ORF1ab- P309L, A3209V, V3718A, G5063S, P5401L and ORF7a-L116F; Sub-lineage -III : ORF1ab- A3209V, V3718A, T3750I, G5063S, P5401L and Spike-A222V; Sub-lineage -IV ORF1ab- P309L, D2980N, F3138S and spike - K77T. This study indicated that majority of the clinical cases in the breakthrough were infected with the Delta variant and only 9.8% cases required hospitalization while fatality was observed in only 0.4% cases. This clearly suggests that the vaccination does provide reduction in hospital admission and mortality.

Cloning, expression and immunological characterisation of Coc n 1, the first major allergen from Coconut pollen.

Coconut pollen has been documented to be a major contributor to the aeroallergen load in India, causing respiratory allergy in a large cohort of susceptible individuals. Here, we report the identification of the first major allergen from Coconut pollen, Coc n 1. The full-length sequence of the allergen was determined from previously identified peptides and overexpressed in E. coli. Recombinant Coc n 1 folded into a trimer and was found to possess allergenicity equivalent to its natural counterpart. Proteolytic processing of Coc n 1 led to the formation of an immunodominant ∼20 kDa C-terminal subunit and the site of cleavage was determined by amino acid microsequencing. Five linear IgE binding epitopes were predicted and mapped on the homology modelled structure of Coc n 1. Amongst three immunodominant epitopes, two were present towards the C-terminal end. Coc n 1 was found to belong to the highly diverse cupin superfamily and mimics its structure with known 7S globulin or vicilin allergens but lacks sequence similarity. Using sequence similarity networks, Coc n 1 clustered as a separate group containing unannotated cupin domain proteins and did not include known vicilin allergens except Gly m Bd 28 kDa, a Soybean major allergen. 7S globulins are major storage proteins and food allergens, but presence of such protein in pollen grains is reported for the first time. Further study on Coc n 1 may provide insights into its function in pollen grains and also in the development of immunotherapy to Coconut pollen allergy.

Purification and biochemical characterization of Hel a 6, a cross-reactive pectate lyase allergen from Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) pollen.

Sunflower pollen was reported to contain respiratory allergens responsible for occupational allergy and pollinosis. The present study describes the comprehensive characterization of a major sunflower allergen Hel a 6. Natural Hel a 6 was purified from sunflower pollen by anion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Hel a 6 reacted with IgE-antibodies from 57% of 39 sunflower-sensitized patient sera suggesting it to be a major allergen. The patients were of Indian origin and suffering from pollinosis and allergic rhinitis. Hel a 6 exhibited allergenic activity by stimulating mediator release from basophils. Monomeric Hel a 6 displayed pectate lyase activity. The effect of various physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, and calcium ion on the functional activity of Hel a 6 revealed a stable nature of the protein. Hel a 6 was folded, and its melting curve showed reversible denaturation in which it refolded back to its native conformation from a denatured state. Hel a 6 displayed a high degree of sequence conservation with the pectate lyase allergens from related taxonomic families such as Amb a 1 (67%) and Art v 6 (57%). The IgE-cross reactivity was observed between Hel a 6 and its ragweed and mugwort homologs. The cross-reactivity was further substantiated by the mediator release when Hel a 6-sensitized effector cells were cross-stimulated with Art v 6 and Amb a 1. Several putative B cell epitopes were predicted and mapped on these 3 allergens. Two antigenic regions were found to be commonly shared by these 3 allergens, which could be crucial for cross-reactivity. In conclusion, Hel a 6 serves as a candidate molecule for diagnosis and immunotherapy for weed allergy.

Identification, cloning, and immunological studies on a major eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) allergen Sola m 1: A new member of profilin allergen family.

Eggplant or brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is widely consumed worldwide and thought to trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. So far, no molecular information is available on the allergy-eliciting components of eggplant. In this study, a 17 kDa profilin, Sola m 1, was identified from eggplant by employing an immunoproteomic approach. Based on MALDI-TOF/TOF derived sequences, the full-length cDNA of Sola m 1 was PCR amplified and then cloned. Recombinant (r) Sola m 1 was expressed in E. coli and then purified by metal affinity and gel filtration. rSola m 1 reacted with IgE-antibodies in the sera from all eggplant allergic patients. rSola m 1 also displayed allergenic activity by stimulating histamine release. rSola m 1 was monomeric, and the CD spectra revealed it to be folded with a mixture of α-helices and ß-strands. In the melting curve, rSola m 1 exhibited an irreversible denaturation where no refolding took place. Sola m 1 was found to share >80 % sequence identity with Bet v 2, which was further validated by confirming the presence of significant cross-reactivity with Bet v 2 in IgE-inhibition assay. IgE-cross reactivity was also observed between rSola m 1 and profilins from six other foods. In SGF assay, no rSola m 1-derived fragments exhibited IgE-reactivity after prolonged digestion suggesting the association of rSola m 1 with the oral allergy syndromes. Immunofluorescence localization revealed a high abundance of Sola m 1 allergen in eggplant seeds as compared to other edible parts. Taken together, Sola m 1 is the first major eggplant allergen reported in this study, which has the potential of being used as a candidate antigen in component-resolved diagnosis and immunotherapy.

Andrographolide inhibits chikungunya virus infection by up-regulating host innate immune pathways

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of andrographolide, a plant derived compound, against chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection.Methods:Using flow cytometry and immunoblotting assay, in vitro viral protein expression was studied in THP-1 cells line. In Balb/c mouse neonates, viral RNA copy number was determined by real time PCR.Results:The results showed reduced CHIKV protein expression on andrographolide treatment in CHIKV-infected human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, Vero cells and THP-1 cell line. In vivo, andrographolide treatment to CHIKV-infected neonates reduced viral RNA copy number. Further, andrographolide also increased cytotoxic T lymphocytes both in vitro and in vivo. Andrographolide also activated host innate immune pathways, viz., protein kinase R, phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α , retinoic acid inducible gene-I and interferon regulatory factor 3/7, thereby increasing IFN- α secretion. CHIKV-induced nuclear factor κ light chain enhancer of activated B cells and tumor necrosis factor- α was also reduced on andrographolide treatment.Conclusion:Andrographolide inhibits CHIKV by suppressing viral protein expression and up-regulating host innate immunity and hence could be an effective therapeutic agent against CHIKV infection.

Andrographolide inhibits chikungunya virus infection by up-regulating host innate immune pathways

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of andrographolide, a plant derived compound, against chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection. Methods: Using flow cytometry and immunoblotting assay, in vitro viral protein expression was studied in THP-1 cells line. In Balb/c mouse neonates, viral RNA copy number was determined by real time PCR. Results: The results showed reduced CHIKV protein expression on andrographolide treatment in CHIKV-infected human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, Vero cells and THP-1 cell line. In vivo, andrographolide treatment to CHIKV-infected neonates reduced viral RNA copy number. Further, andrographolide also increased cytotoxic T lymphocytes both in vitro and in vivo. Andrographolide also activated host innate immune pathways, viz., protein kinase R, phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α , retinoic acid inducible gene-I and interferon regulatory factor 3/7, thereby increasing IFN- α secretion. CHIKV-induced nuclear factor κ light chain enhancer of activated B cells and tumor necrosis factor- α was also reduced on andrographolide treatment. Conclusion: Andrographolide inhibits CHIKV by suppressing viral protein expression and up-regulating host innate immunity and hence could be an effective therapeutic agent against CHIKV infection.

Charting novel allergens from date palm pollen (Phoenix sylvestris) using homology driven proteomics.

Pollen grains from Phoenix sylvestris (date palm), a commonly cultivated tree in India has been found to cause severe allergic diseases in an increasing percentage of hypersensitive individuals. To unearth its allergenic components, pollen protein were profiled by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting with date palm pollen sensitive patient sera. Allergens were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF employing a layered proteomic approach combining conventional database dependent search and manual de novo sequencing followed by homology-based search as Phoenix sylvestris is unsequenced. Derivatization of tryptic peptides by acetylation has been demonstrated to differentiate the 'b' from the 'y' ions facilitating efficient de novo sequencing. Ten allergenic proteins were identified, out of which six showed homology with known allergens while others were reported for the first time. Amongst these, isoflavone reductase, beta-conglycinin, S-adenosyl methionine synthase, 1, 4 glucan synthase and beta-galactosidase were commonly reported as allergens from coconut pollen and presumably responsible for cross-reactivity. One of the allergens had IgE binding epitope recognized by its glycan moiety. The allergenic potency of date palm pollen has been demonstrated using in vitro tests. The identified allergens can be used to develop vaccines for immunotherapy against date palm pollen allergy. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Identification of allergenic proteins from sources harboring them is essential in developing therapeutic interventions. This is the first comprehensive study on the identification of allergens from Phoenix sylvestris (date palm) pollen, one of the major aeroallergens in India using a proteomic approach. Proteomic methods are being increasingly used to identify allergens. However, since many of these proteins arise from species which are un-sequenced, it becomes difficult to interpret those using conventional proteomics. Date palm being an unsequenced species, the IgE-reactive proteins have been identified using a stratified proteomic workflow incorporating manual de novo sequencing and homology-based proteomics. This study also gives an insight into the presence of glycan nature of the IgE binding epitopes. Five proteins have been found to be common with coconut pollen allergens and presumably responsible for cross-reactivity. These can be used in diagnostics to differentiate patient cohorts allergic to both coconut and date palm pollen from true date palm pollen allergic subjects. This would also determine better specific immunotherapy regimes between the two cohorts. The allergens identified herein have potential towards vaccine development in date palm pollen allergy as well as in enriching the existing catalogue of allergenic proteins.

Data on mass spectrometry based identification of allergens from sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) pollen proteome.

Allergy is a type of abnormal immune reactions, which is triggered by environmental antigens or allergens and mediated by IgE antibodies. Now-a-days mass spectrometry is the method of choice for allergen identification based on homology searching. Here, we provide the mass spectrometry dataset associated with our previously published research article on identification of sunflower pollen allergens (Ghosh et al., 2015 [1]). In this study allergenicity of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) pollen grains were primarily investigated by clinical studies followed by detailed immunobiochemical and immunoproteomic analyses. The mass spectrometry data for the identification of allergens were deposited to ProteomeXchange Consortium via PRIDE partner repository with the dataset identifier PXD002397.

Mass spectrometry-based identification of allergens from Curvularia pallescens, a prevalent aerospore in India.

The worldwide prevalence of fungal allergy in recent years has augmented mining allergens from yet unexplored ones. Curvularia pallescens (CP) being a dominant aerospore in India and a major sensitiser on a wide range of allergic population, pose a serious threat to human health. Therefore, we aimed to identify novel allergens from CP in our present study. A cohort of 22 CP-sensitised patients was selected by positive Skin prick grade. Individual sera exhibited elevated specific IgE level and significant histamine release on a challenge with antigenic extract of CP. First gel-based profiling of CP proteome was done by 1- and 2-dimensional gel. Parallel 1- and 2-dimensional immunoblot were performed applying individual as well as pooled patient sera. Identification of the sero-reactive spots from the 2-dimensional gel was found to be challenging as CP was not previously sequenced. Hence, mass spectrometry-based proteomic workflow consisting of conventional database search was not alone sufficient. Therefore, de novo sequencing preceded homology search was implemented for further identification. Altogether 11 allergenic proteins including Brn-1, vacuolar protease, and fructose-bis-phosphate aldolase were identified with high statistical confidence (p<0.05). This is the first study to report on any allergens from CP. This kind of proteome-based analysis provided a catalogue of CP allergens that would lead an improved way of diagnosis and therapy of CP-related allergy.

Biomonitoring of pollen grains of a river bank suburban city, Konnagar, Calcutta, India, and its link and impact on local people.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Pollen grains released by plants are dispersed into the air and can become trapped in human nasal mucosa, causing immediate release of allergens triggering severe Type 1 hypersensitivity reactions in susceptible allergic patients. Recent epidemiologic data show that 11-12% of people suffer from this type of disorders in India. Hence, it is important to examine whether pollen grains have a role in dissipating respiratory problems, including allergy and astma, in a subtropical suburban city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Meteorological data were collected for a period of two years, together with aerobiological sampling with a Burkard sampler. A pollen calendar was prepared for the city. A health survey and the hospitalization rate of local people for the above problems were documented following statistical analysis between pollen counts and the data from the two above-mentioned sources. Skin Prick Test and Indirect ELISA were performer for the identification of allergenic pollen grains. RESULTS: Bio-monitoring results showed that a total of 36 species of pollen grains were located in the air of the study area, where their presence is controlled by many important meteorological parameters proved from SPSS statistical analysis and by their blooming periods. Statistical analysis showed that there is a high positive correlation of monthly pollen counts with the data from the survey and hospital. Biochemical tests revealed the allergic nature of pollen grains of many local species found in the sampler. CONCLUSIONS: Bio-monitoring, together with statistical and biochemical results, leave no doubt about the role of pollen as a bio-pollutant. General knowledge about pollen allergy and specific allergenic pollen grains of a particular locality could be a good step towards better health for the cosmopolitan suburban city.

The current approach to the diagnosis of vascular anomalies of the head and neck: A pictorial essay

Throughout the years, various classifications have evolved for the diagnosis of vascular anomalies. However, it remains difficult to classify a number of such lesions. Because all hemangiomas were previously considered to involute, if a lesion with imaging and clinical characteristics of hemangioma does not involute, then there is no subclass in which to classify such a lesion, as reported in one of our cases. The recent classification proposed by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA, 2014) has solved this problem by including non-involuting and partially involuting hemangioma in the classification. We present here five cases of vascular anomalies and discuss their diagnosis in accordance with the ISSVA (2014) classification. A non-involuting lesion should not always be diagnosed as a vascular malformation. A non-involuting lesion can be either a hemangioma or a vascular malformation depending upon its clinicopathologic and imaging characteristics.

Allergen databases.

In this chapter, five popular allergen databases have been described: (1) Allergome is based on basic and clinical information on allergens causing an IgE-mediated disease; (2) AllergenOnline allows online search of peer-reviewed allergen list; (3) International Union of Immunological Societies Allergen nomenclature subcommittee database contains systematic nomenclature and molecular details of well-characterized allergens; (4) AllFam allows classifying allergens into protein families based on domain information; and (5) SDAP provides in detail structural information of the allergens.

In silico prediction of allergenic proteins.

Currently, the prediction of new allergens is becoming important due to use of genetically modified (GM) foods and biopharmaceuticals. In this chapter, we describe how to use four popular allergenic prediction servers: (1) Structural Database of Allergenic Proteins (SDAP), (2) Allermatch, (3) Evaller 2, and (4) AlgPred. The first two prediction servers are based on traditional approaches, whereas Evaller 2 and AlgPred use sophisticated machine learning techniques.

Allergenicity assessment of Allium sativum leaf agglutinin, a potential candidate protein for developing sap sucking insect resistant food crops.

BACKGROUND: Mannose-binding Allium sativum leaf agglutinin (ASAL) is highly antinutritional and toxic to various phloem-feeding hemipteran insects. ASAL has been expressed in a number of agriculturally important crops to develop resistance against those insects. Awareness of the safety aspect of ASAL is absolutely essential for developing ASAL transgenic plants. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Following the guidelines framed by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization, the source of the gene, its sequence homology with potent allergens, clinical tests on mammalian systems, and the pepsin resistance and thermostability of the protein were considered to address the issue. No significant homology to the ASAL sequence was detected when compared to known allergenic proteins. The ELISA of blood sera collected from known allergy patients also failed to show significant evidence of cross-reactivity. In vitro and in vivo assays both indicated the digestibility of ASAL in the presence of pepsin in a minimum time period. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: With these experiments, we concluded that ASAL does not possess any apparent features of an allergen. This is the first report regarding the monitoring of the allergenicity of any mannose-binding monocot lectin having insecticidal efficacy against hemipteran insects.