Felis Catus

Felis Catus (cat hair allergen) is a biological extract used as a diagnostic and bronchoprovocation challenge agent in clinical research. In studies conducted by the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, the extract is administered via inhalation to individuals with allergic asthma to identify those who exhibit a late-phase asthmatic response (LPAR). This physiological response, which occurs several hours after the initial IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation, is used to phenotype patients for inclusion in trials testing novel asthma therapies, such as IL-1β inhibitors. The extract contains the major allergen Fel d 1, which cross-links allergen-specific IgE on mast cells and basophils, triggering the release of inflammatory mediators and inducing airway obstruction.

Other names

cat hair allergencat dander allergenFelis domesticus allergen