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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
In-vitro and in-silico analysis of the anti-inflammatory properties of mastoparan-b, a peptide from wasp (Vespa Basalis) venom
Authors
Dr. Jay Prakash Singh, Dr. Subhashish Tripathy, Mohan Prakash Sharma, Rahul Dev, Apeksha Singh
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of numerous debilitating diseases,
driving the search for novel, effective, and safer therapeutics. Animal venoms,
particularly those from hymenopterans, are rich sources of bioactive peptides
with therapeutic potential. Masto Paran-B (MP-B), a cationic, α-helical tetra
decapeptide (INLKALAALAKKIL-NH₂) from the venom of the wasp Vespa
basalis, is primarily known for its mast cell degranulation activity. This
study employed an integrated in-vitro and in-silico approach
to systematically evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties and mechanism of
action of MP-B. In LPS-stimulated murine RAW 264.7 and human THP-1 macrophages,
MP-B (1-10 µM) significantly and dose-dependently suppressed the production of
key pro-inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide (78.5% inhibition),
prostaglandin E₂ (via COX-2 downregulation), and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6,
IL-1β), without affecting cell viability or anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels.
Mechanistic investigations revealed that MP-B inhibited the canonical NF-κB
pathway by blocking IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, thereby preventing
the nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit. Molecular docking simulations
predicted high-affinity binding of MP-B to the ATP-binding site of IκB kinase β
(IKKβ) (Glide XP G-score: -8.12 kcal/mol) and to the interface of the NF-κB
p50/p65 heterodimer. These interactions suggest a direct inhibition of IKKβ
activity and potential interference with NF-κB-DNA binding. The findings
demonstrate that MP-B is a potent anti-inflammatory peptide that targets the
NF-κB signalling cascade, transforming its perceived pro-inflammatory role into
a promising therapeutic profile. This work positions MP-B as a novel lead
compound for the rational design of peptide-based anti-inflammatory agents.
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Pages:326-332
How to cite this article:
Dr. Jay Prakash Singh, Dr. Subhashish Tripathy, Mohan Prakash Sharma, Rahul Dev, Apeksha Singh "In-<i>vitro</i> and <i>in-silico</i> analysis of the anti-inflammatory properties of mastoparan-b, a peptide from wasp (<i>Vespa Basalis</i>) venom". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 326-332
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