Recombinant Peanut Ara h 2/Conglutin-7 Protein, N-Trx-His

Description of Recombinant Peanut Ara h 2/Conglutin-7 Protein, N-Trx-His

Introduction

Recombinant Peanut Ara h 2/Conglutin-7 protein is a type of protein that is produced through genetic engineering techniques. It is a recombinant protein, meaning it is created by combining DNA from different sources, in this case, from the peanut plant. This protein is also known as Conglutin-7, as it belongs to the conglutin family of proteins found in peanuts. In this article, we will discuss the structure, activity, and applications of this protein.

Structure

The recombinant Peanut Ara h 2/Conglutin-7 protein is a small, globular protein with a molecular weight of approximately 17 kDa. It is composed of 157 amino acids and has a three-dimensional structure that is highly stable and resistant to heat and digestive enzymes. This protein is made up of two subunits, A and B, which are connected by disulfide bonds. The A subunit is responsible for binding to the peanut allergen, while the B subunit helps in stabilizing the protein.

Activity

Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies, affecting approximately 1% of the population. The main culprit behind peanut allergies is the protein Ara h 2, which is found in high levels in peanuts. This protein is a major allergen and is responsible for triggering an allergic reaction in individuals with peanut allergy. The recombinant Peanut Ara h 2/Conglutin-7 protein has been shown to have a similar structure and activity to the natural Ara h 2 protein. However, it has been modified in a way that reduces its allergenicity, making it safe for consumption by individuals with peanut allergy.

The main function of this protein is to act as an antigen, which is a substance that triggers an immune response in the body. In the case of individuals with peanut allergy, their immune system mistakenly identifies the peanut allergen as a harmful substance and produces an allergic reaction. By introducing the recombinant Peanut Ara h 2/Conglutin-7 protein, the immune system can be trained to recognize and tolerate the peanut allergen, reducing the risk of an allergic reaction.

Applications

The recombinant Peanut Ara h 2/Conglutin-7 protein has several potential applications in the field of food allergy research and treatment. One of the main applications is in immunotherapy, where small doses of the protein are administered to individuals with peanut allergy to desensitize their immune system. This therapy has shown promising results in reducing the severity of allergic reactions and increasing tolerance to peanuts in clinical trials.

Another potential application is in the development of hypoallergenic peanuts. By using genetic engineering techniques, the gene responsible for producing the allergenic Ara h 2 protein can be removed from the peanut plant, and instead, the plant can be engineered to produce the recombinant Peanut Ara h 2/Conglutin-7 protein. This would result in peanuts with reduced allergenicity, making them safer for consumption by individuals with peanut allergy.

Furthermore, the recombinant Peanut Ara h 2/Conglutin-7 protein can also be used in diagnostic tests for peanut allergy. This protein can be used as a marker to detect the presence of peanut-specific IgE antibodies in the blood, which are produced in individuals with peanut allergy. This can help in accurately diagnosing peanut allergy and monitoring the effectiveness of immunotherapy.

Conclusion

In summary, the recombinant Peanut Ara h 2/Conglutin-7 protein is a promising tool in the field of food allergy research and treatment. Its structure and activity make it an ideal candidate for immunotherapy and the development of hypoallergenic peanuts. With further research and development, this protein has the potential to improve the quality of life for individuals with peanut allergy and reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions.