Allergen Bet v 1 (Bet v 1)

Allergen Bet v 1 is the immunodominant protein in birch pollen (Betula verrucosa) and serves as the primary trigger for seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma in millions of individuals worldwide. As a member of the pathogenesis-related protein family 10 (PR-10), it features a large hydrophobic cavity capable of binding diverse ligands, including plant hormones and siderophores. In sensitized patients, Bet v 1-specific IgE antibodies recognize conformational epitopes on the protein, leading to mast cell and basophil activation upon allergen exposure. Therapeutic interventions focus on neutralizing this interaction, either through allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) to induce endogenous blocking IgG4 antibodies or through the administration of exogenous monoclonal IgG antibodies. These IgG antibodies act by competitively binding to Bet v 1, thereby preventing IgE-mediated cross-linking and the subsequent release of inflammatory mediators like histamine. Passive immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies like REGN5713/5714/5715 offers a rapid-acting alternative to traditional AIT, which can take years to achieve full efficacy. Furthermore, the high degree of structural conservation among PR-10 proteins leads to cross-reactivity, causing many birch-allergic patients to experience oral allergy syndrome when consuming certain fruits and vegetables.

Other names

Major birch pollen allergenBet v 1.0101PR-10-like proteinBetula verrucosa allergen 1

Blocking antibodies (IgG) compete with IgE for binding to Bet v 1 epitopes, thereby preventing the cross-linking of IgE on effector cells and subsequent degranulation.