Work

B-cell epitope peptide immunotherapy alleviates chitin-binding protein-induced type 2 airway inflammation in a Blomia tropicalis-murine model

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: 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. 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. 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 IgG 1 /IgG 2a ratio. 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. Not applicable.

Source: Respiratory Research

DOI: 10.1186/s12931-025-03207-8

Authors: Jiale Zhang, Wenting Luo, YuBao Cui, Baoqing Sun