A T-Cell Epitope Tandem Peptide Designed from Two Major Allergens of Crassostrea angulata Shows Potential for Inducing Dual Immune Tolerance

Abstract

The major allergens identified in Crassostrea angulata include tropomyosin (Cra a 1) and arginine kinase (Cra a 2). Currently, there are few studies on oral desensitization agents designed to concurrently target two oyster allergen components. In this study, a tandem peptide (Cra a T), containing T-cell epitopes of Cra a 1 and Cra a 2, was prepared based on bioinformatics and genetic engineering technology. By incubating with splenocytes from Cra a 1/Cra a 2-sensitized mouse and establishing a DC-T coculture system, it was found that Cra a T could consistently stimulate the proliferation of CD4 + T cells, promote Treg cell differentiation, and upregulate the secretion of interleukin-10. Moreover, serological assays confirmed that Cra a T exhibited markedly reduced immunobinding activity against both Cra a 1 and Cra a 2. Overall, hypoallergenic Cra a T has the potential to induce dual immune tolerance and is a candidate for oyster oral desensitization preparations.