ragweed pollen

Ragweed pollen, derived from plants of the genus *Ambrosia*, is a potent aeroallergen used in clinical research as a provocative agent to induce symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. In studies conducted by The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, the pollen is dispersed within an Allergen Challenge Chamber (ACC) to trigger controlled nasal and ocular inflammation in sensitive individuals. The primary mechanism of action involves the binding of pollen allergens, such as Amb a 1, to specific IgE antibodies on the surface of mast cells and basophils. This binding causes cross-linking of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI), leading to cellular degranulation and the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins, which result in the clinical symptoms of hay fever and neutrophilic nasal inflammation.

Other names

ragweed pollen-The University of Texas Medical Branch, GalvestonShort ragweed pollenAmbrosia artemisiifolia pollen