Immunoproteomic identification of allergenic proteins in pecan (Carya illinoinensis) pollen.

Pecan (C. illinoinensis) pollen is an important cause of allergic respiratory disease. Pecan is distributed worldwide as shade, ornamental or cultivation tree. To date three well known pecan food allergens have been reported, however, pollen allergens have not been identified. Here, we describe the first identification of IgE recognized pecan pollen proteins, for which proteins were analyzed by 2-DE and immunoblotting using a pool of 8 sera from pecan sensitive patients as primary antibody. IgE recognized protein spots were analyzed by LC-MS/MS and identified using a database of translated protein sequences obtained by the assembly of C. illinoinensis public transcriptomic information. This study has identified 17 IgE binding proteins from pecan pollen including proteins widely recognized as allergens and panallergens. These findings will contribute to develop specific diagnosis and treatment of pecan pollen allergy. SIGNIFICANCE: Pecan is a tree highly valued for its fruits that have a great commercial value. To date three pecan seed storage proteins have been officially recognized by the WHO/IUIS allergen nomenclature subcommittee as food allergens (Car i 1, Car i 2 and Car i 4). Pecan tree pollen is highly allergenic and a clinically relevant cause of allergies in North America (USA and Mexico) and regions where the tree is extensively cultivated (Israel, South Africa, Australia, Egypt, Peru, Argentina, and Brazil). Here, we describe the first identification of IgE recognized pollen proteins using an immunoproteomics approach and a protein database created by the assembly of pecan public transcriptomic information. The findings described here will allow the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for pecan pollen allergy.

A Review of the Ephedra genus: Distribution, Ecology, Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties.

Ephedra is one of the largest genera of the Ephedraceae family, which is distributed in arid and semiarid regions of the world. In the traditional medicine from several countries some species from the genus are commonly used to treat asthma, cold, flu, chills, fever, headache, nasal congestion, and cough. The chemical constituents of Ephedra species have been of research interest for decades due to their contents of ephedrine-type alkaloids and its pharmacological properties. Other chemical constituents such as phenolic and amino acid derivatives also have resulted attractive and have provided evidence-based supporting of the ethnomedical uses of the Ephedra species. In recent years, research has been expanded to explore the endophytic fungal diversity associated to Ephedra species, as well as, the chemical constituents derived from these fungi and their pharmacological bioprospecting. Two additional aspects that illustrate the chemical diversity of Ephedra genus are the chemotaxonomy approaches and the use of ephedrine-type alkaloids as building blocks in organic synthesis. American Ephedra species, especially those that exist in Mexico, are considered to lack ephedrine type alkaloids. In this sense, the phytochemical study of Mexican Ephedra species is a promising area of research to corroborate their ephedrine-type alkaloids content and, in turn, discover new chemical compounds with potential biological activity. Therefore, the present review represents a key compilation of all the relevant information for the Ephedra genus, in particular the American species, the species distribution, their ecological interactions, its ethnobotany, its phytochemistry and their pharmacological activities and toxicities, in order to promote clear directions for future research.

[Preclinical in vitro and in vivo models for the assessment of biological activity in biosimilarity studies]. / Modelos preclínicos in vitro e in vivo para la evaluación de la actividad biológica en estudios de biocomparabilidad.

A drug that contains a recombinant protein as an active principle is called a biotechnological drug or biopharmaceutical.There are currently over 300 biopharmaceuticals worldwide. Many of these contains a similar active principle (biosimilar drug) as other previously registered (innovator drug). It has suggested that due to the complex implications in a formulation containing a protein, the manufacturing process is a key factor for efficacy and safety requirements. In fact, certain variability has been detected of the protein properties in different lots (or batches) of the same manufacturer, which produce changes at a clinical level. For this reason, the evaluation of biosimilar drugs has acquired great relevance, being the preclinical level of one of the more important stages of the development due to its lower cost (with respect to the clinical level) and its high capacity to detect formulation-manufacture problems. However, the demonstration of comparability at physicochemical, preclinical, and clinical levels is required in order to achieve market registration. In this review the in vitro and in vivo models used for the assessment of proposed biosimilars will be discussed.