Delaware State University

Peanut Allergythe Leading Cause of Fatal Food-induced Anaphylaxis in the U.s.remains Challenging to Manage With Avoidance, Currently the Only Effective Prevention. Allergens Trigger the Immune System in Susceptible Individuals Elevating Antibody Immunoglobulin E (IGE) Levels. Ige Binds to Allergens Which Cause the Release of Histamines Resulting in Peanut Allergy. in This Study a Computational De Novo Design Approach Employing Advanced Ai Deep Learning Frameworks Will Generate High-affinity Nanobody-like Protein (nb-prot) Variations to Bind With Ara H 2 to Block the Ige Binding. the Nb-prots Will Be Further Validated With in Vitro Experiments. CRISPR-CAS9 Technology Will Edit the Ara H 2 Gene in Peanuts Aiming to Modify the Allergens Associated With It Thereby Reducing Allergic Reactions. the Nb-prots Will Act as a Detector to Confirm the Deletion of Ara H 2. Additionally, the Genetically Engineered and Wildtype Peanut Seeds Will Be Analyzed Using Genomic Transcriptomic Proteomic and Chemical Techniques to Confirm the Proper Integration of the Engineered Gene and to Reveal the Nutritional Quality of the Modified Peanut Compared to the Wildtype. the Project Leverages the Unique Methodologies and Expertise of Each Investigator Creating a Synergistic Collaboration Crucial for Its Success. This Project Will Create New Opportunities for Students to Engage in Research Pursuing Graduate Education, Nurture the Next Generation of Scientists, Engineers and Leaders Fostering Economic Growth and Support Hbcu Executive Order by Improving Workforce Preparedness.