Airborne allergens

Airborne allergens, or aeroallergens, are environmental antigens—typically proteins or glycoproteins—derived from sources such as pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander that elicit IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions in sensitized individuals [NIH]. Upon inhalation, these molecules are captured by antigen-presenting cells and recognized by the immune system, leading to the activation of Th2 cells and the production of allergen-specific IgE antibodies [PubMed: 28434611]. Subsequent exposure causes these allergens to cross-link IgE on mast cells and basophils, resulting in the degranulation and release of inflammatory mediators like histamine, which drive the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma [World Allergy Organization]. While they are the causative agents of disease rather than traditional drug targets like receptors or enzymes, they are utilized therapeutically in allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) [StatPearls]. In AIT, controlled exposure to these allergens aims to shift the immune response from a Th2-dominated profile to a tolerant state characterized by the induction of regulatory T cells and IgG4 production [PubMed: 30145920].

Other names

AeroallergensInhalant allergensEnvironmental allergensPollen antigensAtmospheric allergens

Induction of peripheral T-cell tolerance and immune deviation from Th2 to Th1/Treg responses through allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT).