Allergen-specific B-cell receptor (BCR) (BCR)

Allergen-specific B-cell receptors (BCRs) are membrane-bound immunoglobulins expressed on the surface of B lymphocytes that specifically recognize and bind to allergens, such as those from the Graminaceae (grass) pollen family (e.g., Phl p 1, Phl p 5) (Source: PMID: 30143315). These receptors are central to the pathogenesis of Type I hypersensitivity; upon binding to grass pollen allergens, they initiate intracellular signaling that leads to B-cell activation, proliferation, and class-switch recombination to IgE (Source: PMID: 31202478). In sensitized individuals, the presence of IgE-bearing BCRs specific to grass pollen facilitates the rapid uptake and presentation of allergens to T cells, further amplifying the Th2-mediated inflammatory response seen in allergic rhinitis and asthma (Source: PMID: 28844352). Therapeutic strategies targeting these BCRs primarily involve allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which uses controlled allergen exposure to induce immune tolerance by shifting the B-cell response from IgE to protective IgG4 production (Source: PMID: 25844717). Additionally, the frequency and phenotype of these allergen-specific B cells, often identified using fluorescently labeled allergen tetramers, serve as critical biomarkers for monitoring the efficacy of desensitization treatments and the induction of regulatory B cells (Source: PMID: 30143315).

Other names

Grass pollen-specific B-cell receptorGraminaceae-specific B-cell receptorAllergen-specific BCRMembrane-bound immunoglobulinmIg

Induction of immune tolerance through B-cell modulation, class switching from IgE to protective IgG4, and the induction of regulatory B cells (Bregs) (Source: PMID: 31202478).