hamster epithelium allergen extract

Mesocricetus auratus skin, commonly processed as hamster epithelium allergen extract, is a biological product used for the diagnosis and treatment of Type I hypersensitivity reactions to hamsters. In diagnostic settings, the extract is utilized in skin prick testing or intradermal testing to elicit a localized wheal-and-flare response, indicating the presence of allergen-specific IgE antibodies on the surface of mast cells. Therapeutically, it is employed in allergen immunotherapy (AIT), where it is administered subcutaneously in escalating doses to induce immunological tolerance. This desensitization process aims to reduce the clinical symptoms of allergic rhinitis, asthma, and conjunctivitis by modulating the T-cell response and increasing the production of regulatory T cells and IgG4 antibodies. The product is derived from the skin and hair of the Golden (Syrian) hamster and is regulated as a biological drug by agencies such as the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER).

Other names

Mesocricetus auratus skinGolden hamster skin extractHamster epitheliumSyrian hamster epithelium