Immunoinformatics Study of Procyanidins as Mast Cell Stabilizers

Background: Allergens are foreign proteins that stimulate the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE), when they come in contact with human body. These allergens after binding with IgE through FcεRI receptor, triggers the signal transduction reaction in mast cell and basophil cells, leading to allergic reactions by releasing some mediators. Four correctly written as surface-exposed tryptpphans Trp 87, Trp 110, Trp 113 and Trp 156 of FcεRI receptor protein,play significant role in IgE and FcεRI receptor binding interaction. Polyphenols in apple are proven effective for allergic rhinitis treatment by preventing degranulation of granulocytes. Objective:To prevent release of mediators like histamine etc., a therapeutic strategy can be designed by inhibiting IgE and FcεRI receptor interactions.This strategy may provide a symptomatic treatment for allergic reactions due to exposure to pollen allergens. Materials and methods: Molecular docking studies are used to analyse the IgE with FcεRI receptor binding in presence and absence of procyanidin molecules, present in apple. Results: For procyanidin molecules, binding affinity of IgE molecule with its high affinity receptor (FcεRI receptor)decreases markedly. Thepositions of Trp 87, Trp 110, Trp 113 and Trp 156 are changed for the presence of procyanidin C1 molecule. Since IgE and FcεRI receptor binding is highly affected in presence of procyanidin C1, so this compound can inhibit mast cell degranulation by altering the binding affinity of IgE with its its high affinity receptor (FcεRI receptor). Conclusion: Procyanidin C1 can be used as natural anti-allergic drug by stabilizing mast cells during pollen allergic reaction after experimental verification.