Augmenter of liver regeneration: Mitochondrial function and steatohepatitis.

Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR), a ubiquitous fundamental life protein, is expressed more abundantly in the liver than other organs. Expression of ALR is highest in hepatocytes, which also constitutively secrete it. ALR gene transcription is regulated by NRF2, FOXA2, SP1, HNF4α, EGR-1 and AP1/AP4. ALR's FAD-linked sulfhydryl oxidase activity is essential for protein folding in the mitochondrial intermembrane space. ALR's functions also include cytochrome c reductase and protein Fe/S maturation activities. ALR depletion from hepatocytes leads to increased oxidative stress, impaired ATP synthesis and apoptosis/necrosis. Loss of ALR's functions due to homozygous mutation causes severe mitochondrial defects and congenital progressive multiorgan failure, suggesting that individuals with one functional ALR allele might be susceptible to disorders involving compromised mitochondrial function. Genetic ablation of ALR from hepatocytes induces structural and functional mitochondrial abnormalities, dysregulation of lipid homeostasis and development of steatohepatitis. High-fat diet-fed ALR-deficient mice develop non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis, while hepatic and serum levels of ALR are lower than normal in human NASH and NASH-cirrhosis. Thus, ALR deficiency may be a critical predisposing factor in the pathogenesis and progression of NASH.

Macrophages-induced IL-18-mediated eosinophilia promotes characteristics of pancreatic malignancy.

Reports indicate that accumulated macrophages in the pancreas are responsible for promoting the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis (CP). Recently, macrophage-secreted cytokines have been implicated in promoting pancreatic acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM). This study aims to establish the role of accumulated macrophage-activated NLRP3-IL-18-eosinophil mechanistic pathway in promoting several characteristics of pancreatic malignancy in CP. We report that in a murine model of pancreatic cancer (PC), accumulated macrophages are the source of NLRP3-regulated IL-18, which promotes eosinophilic inflammation-mediated accumulation to periductal mucin and collagen, including the formation of ADM, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanINs), and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. Most importantly, we show improved malignant characteristics with reduced levels of oncogenes in an anti-IL-18 neutralized and IL-18 gene deficient murine model of CP. Last, human biopsies validated that NLRP3-IL-18-induced eosinophils accumulate near the ducts, showing PanINs formation in PC. Taken together, we present the evidence on the role of IL-18-induced eosinophilia in the development of PC phenotype like ADM, PanINs, and ductal cell differentiation in inflammation-induced CP.

Tacrolimus (FK506) treatment protects allergen-, IL-5- and IL-13-induced mucosal eosinophilia.

Eosinophils are a common clinical feature associated with chronic allergic diseases, and elemental diets, systemic steroids, anti-IL-5 and anti-IL-13 treatment have shown some therapeutic promise. Herein, we present evidence that pre- and post-intraperitoneal administration of tacrolimus (FK506) is very effective in reducing CCR3/Siglec-F+ eosinophils in Aspergillus-challenged asthma and EoE, CD2-IL-5 induced global eosinophilia, and DOX regulated IL-13-induced asthma. We used flow cytometry and anti-major basic protein (MBP) immunostaining to examine eosinophils in the spleen, bone marrow, BALF, lung, oesophagus and intestine. Additionally, we also performed ELISA and Western blot analyses to show that tacrolimus treatment also reduces the levels of eosinophil-specific cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and TGF-ß, eosinophil-specific chemokines Eotaxin-1 and Eotaxin-2, and progenitors of target RCAN1 mRNA and protein levels. Additionally, the current investigations also show that the TGF-ß-mediated oesophageal and lung fibrosis is also reduced in Aspergillus-challenged, CD2-IL-5 transgenic and DOX-responsive IL-13 mice. Mechanistically, we show that tacrolimus in vitro treatment inhibited bone marrow-derived eosinophil proliferation and viability by promoting eosinophil apoptosis that may be associated with downregulation of RCAN1. Taken together, we provide in vivo and in vitro evidence that tacrolimus ameliorates eosinophil levels and associated pathogenesis in allergen-, IL-5- and IL-13-induced EoE, EG and asthma pathogenesis. Considering tacrolimus side-effects and reactivity to several other drugs, we propose the topical use of tacrolimus for paediatric and low-dose oral for adult patients as a novel therapeutic strategy for the clinical trial to reduce mucosal eosinophilia first in steroid-refractory or elemental diet non-responsive adult EoE, EG and asthma patients.

IL-15 regulates fibrosis and inflammation in a mouse model of chronic pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the induction of several proinflammatory cytokines like interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-1ß, and IL-1. Recently, the multifunctional innate cytokine IL-15 has been implicated in the protection of several diseases, including cancer. Tissue fibrosis is one of the major problems in successfully treating chronic pancreatitis pathogenesis. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that recombinant IL-15 (rIL-15) treatment may induce innate tissue responses and its overexpression will improve the pathogenesis of cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis, associated remodeling, and fibrosis. We observed atrophy of acinar cells, increased inflammation, and increased deposition of perivascular collagen, the upregulated protein level of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen-1 in cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis in mice. Furthermore, we reported that rIL-15 treatment protects mice from the cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis pathogenesis, including acinar cell atrophy, and perivascular accumulation of tissue collagen followed by downregulation of profibrotic genes such as TGF-ß1, α-SMA, collagen-1, collagen-3, and fibronectin in cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis in mice. Mechanistically, we show that IL-15-mediated increase of interferon-γ-responsive invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in the blood and tissue protects cerulein-induced pancreatic pathogenesis in mice. Of note, a reduction in iNKT cells was also observed in human chronic pancreatitis compared with normal individuals. Taken together, these data suggest that IL-15 treatment may be a novel therapeutic strategy for treating chronic pancreatitis pathogenesis. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pancreatic fibrosis is a major concern for the successful treatment of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Therefore, restriction in the progression of fibrosis is the promising approach to manage the pancreatitis pathogenesis. Herein, we present in vivo evidences that pharmacological treatment of recombinant interleukin-15 improves remodeling and fibrosis in cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis in mice. Our observations indicate that interleukin-15 immunotherapy may be a possible and potential strategy for restricting the progression of fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis.

Pathogenic mechanisms of pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of pancreas and caused by a number of factors including pancreatic duct obstruction, alcoholism, and mutation in the cationic trypsinogen gene. Pancreatitis is represented as acute pancreatitis with acute inflammatory responses and; chronic pancreatitis characterized by marked stroma formation with a high number of infiltrating granulocytes (such as neutrophils, eosinophils), monocytes, macrophages and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). These inflammatory cells are known to play a central role in initiating and promoting inflammation including pancreatic fibrosis, i.e., a major risk factor for pancreatic cancer. A number of inflammatory cytokines are known to involve in promoting pancreatic pathogenesis that lead pancreatic fibrosis. Pancreatic fibrosis is a dynamic phenomenon that requires an intricate network of several autocrine and paracrine signaling pathways. In this review, we have provided the details of various cytokines and molecular mechanistic pathways (i.e., Transforming growth factor-ß/SMAD, mitogen-activated protein kinases, Rho kinase, Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators, and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase) that have a critical role in the activation of PSCs to promote chronic pancreatitis and trigger the phenomenon of pancreatic fibrogenesis. In this review of literature, we discuss the involvement of several pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as in interleukin (IL)-1, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 IL-10, IL-18, IL-33 and tumor necrosis factor-α, in the pathogenesis of disease. Our review also highlights the significance of several experimental animal models that have an important role in dissecting the mechanistic pathways operating in the development of chronic pancreatitis, including pancreatic fibrosis. Additionally, we provided several intermediary molecules that are involved in major signaling pathways that might provide target molecules for future therapeutic treatment strategies for pancreatic pathogenesis.

Purification, characterization and allergenicity assessment of 26kDa protein, a major allergen from Cicer arietinum.

Chickpea (CP), a legume of the family Fabaceae, is an important nutrient-rich food providing protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, dietary fibre, and minerals. Unfortunately, several IgE-binding proteins in CP have been detected that are responsible for allergic manifestations in sensitized population. Therefore, the prevalence of CP induced allergy prompted us towards purification, characterization and allergenicity assessment of a major ∼26kDa protein from chickpea crude protein extract (CP-CPE). Purification of CP 26kDa protein was done using a combination of fractionation and anion exchange chromatography. This protein was further characterized as "Chain A, crystal structure of a plant albumin" from Cicer arietinum with Mol wt 25.8kDa by Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Further, allergenic potential of purified 25.8kDa protein was assessed using in vivo and in vitro model. Purified protein showed IgE-binding capacity with sensitized BALB/c mice and CP allergic patient's sera. Enhanced levels of specific and total IgE, MCP-1, MCPT-1, myeloperoxidase, histamine, prostaglandin D2, and cysteinyl leukotriene were found in sera of mice treated with CP ∼26kDa protein. Further, expressions of Th2 cytokines (i.e. IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), transcription factors (i.e. GATA-3, STAT-6, SOCS-3) and mast cell signaling proteins (Lyn, cFgr, Syk, PLC-γ2, PI-3K, PKC) were also found increased at mRNA and protein levels in the intestines of mice treated with CP ∼26kDa protein. In addition, enhanced release of ß-hexosaminidase, histamine, cysteinyl leukotriene and prostaglandin D2 were observed in RBL2H3 cell line when treated (125µg) with CP 26kDa protein. Conclusively, in vivo and in vitro studies revealed the allergenic potential of purified CP 26kDa protein. Being a potential allergen, plant albumin may play a pivotal role in CP induced allergenicity. Current study will be helpful for better development of therapeutic approaches to prevent the allergenicity in CP sensitized individuals.

Allergenicity assessment of genetically-modified tobacco expressing salt tolerance cbl gene.

It is mandatory to assess the allergenic potential of genetically modified (GM) crops before their commercialization. Recently, a transgene [Calcineurin B-like (CBL) protein] has been introduced into tobacco plant to make the crop salt resistance. Therefore, it was felt necessary to assess the allergenic potential of the cbl gene product, which was introduced and expressed in Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) plant and compared the allergenic effects with the wild-type (WT) counterpart. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that there was no significant sequence homology with known allergens. Also, no difference between the protein digestibility profiles of GM and WT tobacco was found. Rapid digestion of CBL protein (Mol Wt 35 kDa) by simulated gastric fluid (SGF) indicated reduced chances of this protein to induce allergenicity. In addition, BALB/c mice sensitized by intraperitoneal administration of WT and GM tobacco protein showed comparable levels of clinical score, specific IgE, IgG1, histamine level, similar effect on different organs as well as IgE binding proteins. These findings indicate that insertion of cbl gene in tobacco did not cause any additional allergic risk to consumer and the GM and native tobacco proteins behave similarly in both in vitro and in vivo situations even after genetic modification.

Allergic manifestation by black gram (Vigna mungo) proteins in allergic patients, BALB/c mice and RBL-2H3 cells.

The prevalence of black gram (Vigna mungo) induced allergic reactions are reported from several parts of the world including Asia and Australia. But, a thorough exploration of the allergic reactions induced by black gram proteins is still lacking. Therefore, efforts have been made to explore black gram allergy using in vivo and in vitro approaches. In this study, Simulated Gastric Fluid (SGF) assay and IgE immunoblotting were carried out to identify clinically relevant allergens of black gram. BALB/c mice and RBL-2H3 cells were used for elucidation of allergenic reactions of black gram proteins. Further, this study was extended to screen black gram sensitive patients among nasobronchial allergic patients on the basis of clinical history, skin prick test (SPT), specific IgE levels and IgE immunoblotting. Enhanced levels of specific IgE, IgG1/IgG2a (p < 0.05), histamine (p < 0.05), clinical symptoms, pathological indications in the lungs, intestine and spleen were evident in black gram sensitized BALB/c mice. Moreover, the expression of Th2 cytokine transcripts and GATA-3/T-bet ratio was found enhanced in the treated group. In vitro studies on RBL-2H3 cells,showed increased release of ß-hexosaminidase (p < 0.05), histamine (p < 0.05), cysteinyl leukotriene (p<0.05) and prostaglandin D2 (p < 0.05). Further, 8.5% of screened patients were found allergic to black gram and concomitant sensitization with other allergens has shown the possibility of further enhancement in allergenic problem. Conclusively, the present study suggested that black gram consumption may be responsible for inducing immediate type of allergic sensitization in susceptible subjects.

Phaseolin: a 47.5kDa protein of red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plays a pivotal role in hypersensitivity induction.

Red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), a protein rich legume, is consumed globally due to its delicacy. This study was aimed to purify, characterize and assess allergenicity of one of its clinically relevant allergens, later identified as phaseolin. This study was carried out using clinical, in vivo and ex vivo approaches. Phaseolin, an abundant protein of red kidney bean, was purified by column chromatography and reverse-phase-HPLC techniques and characterized by peptide mass fingerprinting. The IgE immunoblotting using red kidney bean allergic patients sera showed phaseolin as a major IgE binding protein of red kidney bean. Phaseolin treated mice demonstrated enhanced levels of specific IgE and IgG1, mouse mast cell protease-1, mRNA expressions of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and GATA-3 in the lungs, spleen and intestine along with anaphylactic symptoms indicative of allergic responses. Further, flow cytometry analysis and immunohistochemical studies indicated increased levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and GATA-3, respectively as compared to controls. The level of Foxp3 was found suppressed in the intestine of phaseolin treated mice when compared to the control. Further, phaseolin treated mice showed positive results in type 1 skin test. Bone marrow derived mast cells (BMMCs) and rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells showed enhanced release of allergic mediators like ß-hexosaminidase, histamine, cysteinyl leukotrienes and prostaglandin D2. Taken together, phaseolin was found to possess characteristics of a potential allergen that may lead to hypersensitivity responses in the susceptible individuals and this may be one of the major proteins responsible for allergenicity of red kidney bean.

Elucidation of immediate type I reactions in native and GM mustard (Brassica spp.).

Mustard, a widely consumed spice can provoke allergic manifestations in mustard sensitive individuals. The aim of this study is to explore the allergenicity potential of GM mustard varieties (GM-V2 and GM-V4) having increased carotenoid content and compare it with the native (Varuna) and commercially available variety (Urvashi). Mustard protein sensitized (GM and non-GM) BALB/c mice sera were used to identify the allergenic proteins by IgE immunoblotting. Immunoglobulin levels, mouse mast cell protease-1, monocyte chemotactic protein and histamine were measured in serum. The levels of Th1/Th2 transcription factors GATA-3, T-bet, SOCS3, STAT 6 and c-maf in intestinal proteins of all groups were detected by immunoblotting and PCR. Major IgE-binding proteins of 21, 29 and 33kDa were found in all mustard varieties. The enhanced levels of Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 and transcription factors GATA-3 and SOCS-3 were observed. The increased levels of MCP-1, MCPT-1 and histamine were also evident in commercial, native, GM-V2 and GM-V4 varieties of mustard treated groups. Conclusively, all these finding indicate that introduction of GM mustard varieties with increased carotenoid content did not cause any increase in allergenicity as compared to its native counterpart and therefore can be safe from allergenicity point of view.

Phytohemagglutinins augment red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) induced allergic manifestations.

Red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), a commonly consumed bean has been reported to induce allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Phytohemagglutinins (PHAs, mainly PHA-P) contribute a major proportion of red kidney bean seeds. However, their roles in red kidney bean induced allergic reactions are still to be explored. This study was carried out to understand the role of PHAs in allergic manifestations using BALB/c mice and cultures of splenocyte, RBL-2H3 cells as well as bone marrow mast cells (BMMCs). Also, the characterization of allergic components from PHA-P was studied by LC-MS/MS. Enhanced levels of specific IgE and IgG1, clinical scores, cytokines and chemokines, ß-hexosaminidase, histamine, cysteinyl leukotriene, prostaglandin D2 and abrupt histological changes in the intestine, lung and spleen indicated a pivotal role of PHA-P in red kidney bean allergy. Further, LC-MS/MS study revealed two IgE binding components of PHA-P as PHA-L and PHA-E. Enhanced specific IgE/IgG1 and ß-hexosaminidase level elucidated the possible role of PHA-L and PHA-E in allergic manifestations. Furthermore, in the presence of IgE inhibitor piceatannol, reduced ß-hexosaminidase release to some extent was noticed. The up regulated expression of GATA-3 and T-bet expression was observed in PHA-L as well as PHA-E groups. Taken together, this study revealed the fact that allergenicity potential of red kidney bean may get augmented due to the presence of different phytohemagglutinins. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although food allergy is an immune provocation induced mainly by dietary allergenic protein components of the food, the role of dietary lectins in the food induced allergic manifestations cannot be ruled out. Here we provide the systematic evidences about the allergenic potential of PHAs and further disclosed the culprit components as PHA-L and PHA-E. It is an important finding that the PHA-L and PHA-E can cause allergic manifestations via not only the IgE mediated pathway but also the non-IgE mediated allergic reactions as evident by the Th1/Th2 cytokines and transcription factors. Further, the PHA-L seems to be more allergenic than the PHA-E. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Translational plant proteomics.

Clinical complications of kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) consumption.

Kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), are common legumes, consumed worldwide. The delicacy of kidney beans is highly appreciable but, at the same time, their toxicity has raised an alarming concern. Kidney bean toxicity may be divided into two subcategories: toxicity caused by its lectins, saponins, phytates, and protease inhibitors or allergenicity induced by its allergenic proteins. The purpose of this review is to unravel the facts behind the different aspects of toxicity and allergenicity induced by kidney beans and try to fill the gaps that exist currently.

A comprehensive review of legume allergy.

Legumes belonging to Fabaceae family of the order Fabales are a rich and important source of proteins and many essential elements. Due to its nutritious elements, these are preferably included in human diet in most part of the world. But, unfortunately, IgE binding proteins have been identified in majority of legumes, and allergenic response to these legumes may range from mild skin reactions to life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. Overall, allergenicity due to consumption of legumes in decreasing order may be peanut, soybean, lentil, chickpea, pea, mung bean, and red gram. So far, several allergens from different legumes have been identified and characterized. Most of identified allergens belong to storage proteins family, profilins, or the pathogenesis-related proteins. Legumes also have property of immunological cross-reactivity among themselves and from other sources that also increases the severity of allergenic response to a particular legume. This review summarizes the currently available knowledge on legume allergy and describes the allergenic problems associated with different legumes. It also tries to explore about the legume allergens identified so far by different scientific groups. The culmination of knowledge about identification and characterization of allergens from different legumes will be helpful in diagnosis and treatment of allergy, for development of novel therapeutic strategies, for strict avoidance of particular legume in diet by susceptible individual and also to produce hypoallergenic cultivars of leguminous crop through conventional breeding or genetic modification.

A molecular insight of CTLA-4 in food allergy.

Food allergy is an immune provocation induced by certain food in susceptible individuals. Most of the food allergic manifestations are evident in the individual having impaired oral tolerance. In spite of worldwide prevalence, there is no permanent cure of food allergy. Food allergic reactions are complex immunological events that comprises of several immune molecules like IgE, IL-4, IL-13 and T-cells, therefore, researchers are trying to pick the correct molecule to find out pivotal therapeutic solutions. Being a key regulatory molecule in suppressing T-cells functional activities, cytotoxic T-cell lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) or cluster of differentiation-152 (CD-152) has contributed a novel and revolutionary dimension toward therapeutic research of several diseases. This review focuses on different immunological and mechanistic perspectives of CTLA-4 in correlation with food allergy.

Impact of thermal processing on legume allergens.

Food induced allergic manifestations are reported from several parts of the world. Food proteins exert their allergenic potential by absorption through the gastrointestinal tract and can even induce life threatening anaphylaxis reactions. Among all food allergens, legume allergens play an important role in induction of allergy because legumes are a major source of protein for vegetarians. Most of the legumes are cooked either by boiling, roasting or frying before consumption, which can be considered a form of thermal treatment. Thermal processing may also include autoclaving, microwave heating, blanching, pasteurization, canning, or steaming. Thermal processing of legumes may reduce, eliminate or enhance the allergenic potential of a respective legume. In most of the cases, minimization of allergenic potential on thermal treatment has generally been reported. Thus, thermal processing can be considered an important tool by indirectly prevent allergenicity in susceptible individuals, thereby reducing treatment costs and reducing industry/office/school absence in case of working population/school going children. The present review attempts to explore various possibilities of reducing or eliminating allergenicity of leguminous food using different methods of thermal processing. Further, this review summarizes different methods of food processing, major legumes and their predominant allergenic proteins, thermal treatment and its relation with antigenicity, effect of thermal processing on legume allergens; also suggests a path that may be taken for future research to reduce the allergenicity using conventional/nonconventional methods.

Safety evaluation of genetically modified mustard (V4) seeds in terms of allergenicity: comparison with native crop.

Genetically modified (GM) mustard line (V4) with increased carotenoid content was compared with native mustard to find the difference in allergenic potential, if any. Simulated gastric fluid (SGF) digestibility of crude protein extract from GM as well as its native counterpart mustard crop was envisaged to understand the intended or unintended changes in GM crop along with IgE immunoblotting. BALB/c mice were used as model for allergenicity studies for monitoring total and specific IgE, specific IgG1, histamine level, histopathology, and systemic anaphylaxis score. Allergenicity of mustard was checked in humans by clinical history, skin prick test and IgE levels. Similar results were evident by significant increase in total IgE, specific IgE, IgG1, histamine levels, in GM and native mustard in comparison to control group. Prominent anaphylactic symptoms (score 2: 60%; score 3: 20%; score 4: 20% in native mustard and score 2: 40%; score 3: 40%; score 4: 20% in GM mustard) and eruptive histopathological changes were observed in both GM and native mustard when compared with controls. One protein of approximately 16 kDa was found stable up to 1 h in both GM as well as non GM mustard. IgE immunoblotting detected three protein components of approximately 29, 24 and 16 kDa in both GM and non GM varieties. Collectively, our data demonstrate substantially equivalent allergic responses against GM as well as its native counterpart. Therefore, the GM mustard may be as safe as its native counterpart with reference to allergenic responses.

Molecular mechanisms of IgE mediated food allergy.

The purpose of this review is to collate current knowledge and recent advances in molecular mechanism behind the immediate type hypersensitivity of foods. Food allergy is a growing concern of human health in developed as well as developing countries now days. Food allergic reactions are mostly IgE mediated and also known as immediate type hypersensitivity or type I reaction. This review encompasses a wide range of molecular events during IgE mediated reactions like primary exposure of allergens, processing of allergens by antigen presenting cells, role of transcription factors like GATA-3, STAT-6, NF-AT, c-maf, c-kit and NF-κB, Treg cells, toll like receptors, cytokines and chemokines, class switch to IgE, FcεR1 receptor, priming of IgE on mast cells or basophils, signaling events followed by secondary exposure of allergens, degranulation and release of mediators like leukotrienes, histamines, prostaglandins, ß-hexosaminidase and ultimately anaphylaxis. This review may be helpful to beginners as well as experts working in the field of allergy and immunology because of the stepwise explanations of molecular mechanisms involved in IgE mediated reactions.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) proteins induce allergic responses in nasobronchial allergic patients and BALB/c mice.

Allergy to chickpea or Garbanzo bean (Cicer arietinum) has been reported in the Indian population. Little information is found regarding allergenic events involved in the chickpea allergy; therefore, chickpea allergenicity assessment was undertaken. In vivo and ex vivo studies were carried out using BALB/c mice. Chickpea skin prick test positive patients have been used to extend this study in humans. Identification of allergens was carried out by simulated gastric fluids assay for pepsin resistant polypeptides and validated by IgE western blotting using chickpea sensitive humans and sensitized mice sera. Our data have shown the occurrence of a systemic anaphylactic reaction resulting in reduced body temperature after challenge along with significantly increased levels of IgE, IgG1, MMCP-1, CCL-2 as well as histamine. Further, increased Th1/Th2 (mixed) cytokine response was observed in spleen cell culture supernatants. Jejunum, lungs and spleen showed prominent histopathological changes specific for allergic inflammation. Immunoblotting with pooled sera of either sensitized mice or human sera recognized seven similar IgE binding polypeptides that may be responsible for chickpea induced hypersensitivity reactions. This study has addressed the allergenic manifestations associated with chickpea consumption and identifies the proteins responsible for allergenicity which may prove useful in diagnosis and management of allergenicity of legumes especially chickpea.