poa pratensis allergen extract

Poa pratensis allergen extract is a biological substance derived from the pollen of the Poa pratensis grass, commonly known as Kentucky bluegrass. It is used as an active ingredient in allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for the treatment of grass pollen-induced allergic conditions, such as allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis, with or without asthma. [12, 14, 18, 19] AIT with this extract aims to desensitize the immune system to the allergen through controlled exposure. The mechanism involves modulating the immune response from a T-helper type 2 (Th2) dominated allergic reaction towards a more tolerant state characterized by the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the production of 'blocking' IgG4 antibodies. [7, 8, 9] This leads to a reduction in allergy symptoms upon natural exposure to grass pollen. The extract is typically formulated as part of a mixture with other grass pollen extracts in products such as the sublingual tablet Oralair (developed by Stallergenes Greer) or the subcutaneous injection Depigoid (developed by LETI Pharma). [12, 15, 18, 19] It is also used in diagnostics, specifically for skin prick tests to identify sensitivity to Kentucky bluegrass pollen. [17]

Brand names

OralairDepigoid Grass-Mix

Other names

Kentucky bluegrass pollen extractMeadow grass pollen extract