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

The Phl p-specific B-cell receptor (BCR) is a membrane-bound immunoglobulin complex expressed on the surface of B cells that specifically recognizes protein epitopes from Phleum pratense (Timothy grass) pollen, a major cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma (Source: WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature). These receptors are found on both naïve B cells and memory B cells, where they play a critical role in the initiation and maintenance of the allergic immune response by capturing allergens and presenting them to T cells (Source: Heeringa et al., 2016, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology). In allergic individuals, BCR signaling often leads to the production of allergen-specific IgE, which mediates immediate hypersensitivity reactions upon subsequent exposure (Source: Akdis & Akdis, 2014, Nature Reviews Immunology). Therapeutic strategies like allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) utilize Phl p allergen extracts or recombinant proteins to target these BCRs, aiming to redirect the immune response toward tolerance by inducing regulatory B cells and IgG4-producing plasma cells (Source: Shamji & Durham, 2017, Lancet). Monitoring the frequency and phenotype of Phl p-specific B cells using fluorescently labeled allergen tetramers serves as a sophisticated biomarker for assessing the success of desensitization treatments (Source: Kerzel et al., 2017, Clinical & Experimental Allergy). Understanding the repertoire and affinity of these BCRs is essential for developing personalized allergy treatments and monitoring the efficacy of desensitization protocols.

Other names

Timothy grass pollen-specific B-cell receptorPhleum pratense-specific B-cell receptorPhl p-reactive B-cell receptorGrass pollen-specific BCRPhl p-specific surface immunoglobulin

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) involves the administration of Phl p allergens which bind to the BCR on naïve and memory B cells, inducing B-cell differentiation into regulatory B cells (Bregs) and promoting class switching from IgE to IgG4, which acts as a blocking antibody to neutralize the allergen and suppress the Th2-mediated allergic response.