Acacia pollen

Acacia pollen refers to the pollen grains derived from trees of the *Acacia* genus, such as *Acacia farnesiana* and *Acacia longifolia*, which are recognized as significant sources of respiratory allergens in tropical and subtropical regions. In clinical practice, extracts of Acacia pollen are utilized as diagnostic agents to identify Type I hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions through skin prick testing (SPT) or in vitro assays like ELISA and RAST. The pollen contains several characterized allergenic proteins, including **Aca f 1** (an Ole e 1-like protein) and **Aca f 2** (a profilin), which bind to specific IgE antibodies in sensitized individuals. Beyond its role as an allergen, Acacia pollen releases serine proteases upon hydration that can damage airway epithelial cells, potentially facilitating the sensitization process and exacerbating inflammatory responses in the respiratory tract.

Other names

Acacia pollen extractwattle pollen