Betula alleghaniensis pollen

Betula alleghaniensis pollen refers to the pollen produced by the Yellow Birch tree (*Betula alleghaniensis*), a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. This pollen is a common and significant seasonal allergen, primarily responsible for causing allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic conjunctivitis in sensitized individuals. The primary mechanism involves its allergenic proteins, notably Bet v 1 (the major birch pollen allergen) and Bet v 2 (profilin), which bind to IgE antibodies on mast cells and basophils, triggering an immune response that leads to the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine. While primarily known as an allergen, extracts derived from birch pollen are utilized in allergen immunotherapy. This therapeutic approach involves controlled exposure to gradually increasing doses of the allergen to desensitize the immune system, thereby preventing or reducing the severity of allergic reactions.

Other names

Yellow Birch pollen