Molecular and Immunological Characterization of Troponin C: An Allergen from Scylla paramamosain

Scylla paramamosain, a crustacean of substantial importance, is a frequent trigger of food allergies. This study examined the molecular and immunological properties of troponin C from S. paramamosain (Scy p TnC) as an allergen. The findings indicated that thermal stability of Scy p TnC comprised 150 amino acids and facilitated the induction of CD63/CD203c in basophils from crab allergy patients. Furthermore, treatment of Scy p TnC with chemical denaturants caused structural degradation, which resulted in diminished IgG binding capacity. Subsequently, 6 linear epitopes and 4 conformational epitope regions of TnC were predicted, with epitopes at the C-terminal being conserved throughout 9 discovered TnCs. Concurrently, mice sensitized with Scy p TnC exhibited markedly increased levels of IgE and IL-4 release, provoking a Th2 immune response. The results reveal crab allergens and enhance existing knowledge regarding allergenic components in crabs, thereby facilitating the advancement of molecular diagnostics and targeted therapeutic strategies.