Screening for Mimotopes for the Peanut Allergen Ara h 5 Using a Phage Display Random Heptapeptide Library

This study aimed to screen for mimotopes for the peanut allergen Ara h 5 using a phage display random heptapeptide library. Recombinant Ara h 5, obtained via a prokaryotic expression system, was used as an immunogen to generate antibodies in a mouse model. Polyclonal IgE antibodies against Ara h 5 were purified from the antiserum by affinity chromatography. Using these Ara h 5 IgE antibodies as the target, three rounds of biopanning were performed against the phage display heptapeptide library. Positive phage clones were isolated and sequenced. Three mimotope sequences, FHWWYLK, WETIYSR, and GPLWNVN, were identified. These mimotopes provide an important foundation for the development of blocking antibodies or epitope-specific immunotherapy for peanut allergy.