Amb a 1-specific Immunoglobulin E and B-cell receptor (Amb a 1-specific IgE/BCR)

Amb a 1-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and B-cell receptors (BCRs) are the primary immunological mediators of the allergic response to short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) pollen. Amb a 1 is a 38 kDa pectate lyase and the dominant allergen in ragweed, with over 90% of ragweed-allergic individuals exhibiting sensitivity to it [1]. In sensitized patients, Amb a 1-specific IgE antibodies are bound to high-affinity FcεRI receptors on mast cells and basophils; subsequent allergen exposure causes cross-linking of these receptors, triggering the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine that cause allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms [2]. BCRs on the surface of Amb a 1-specific B cells facilitate the recognition and internalisation of the allergen, which is then processed and presented to T cells to drive the Th2-mediated allergic cascade and further IgE production [3]. Therapeutic strategies targeting this axis include allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which aims to induce immune tolerance, and monoclonal antibodies designed to neutralize specific IgE or deplete the B cells expressing these receptors [4, 5]. Sources: [1] Wopfner N, et al. (2005) Int Arch Allergy Immunol; [2] Galli SJ, & Tsai M. (2012) Nat Med; [3] Eckl-Dorna J, & Niederberger V. (2013) Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol; [4] Creticos PS, et al. (2014) Expert Rev Clin Immunol; [5] Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (2020) ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03680430.

Other names

Ragweed allergen-specific IgEAmb a 1-specific BCRShort ragweed allergen 1-specific antibodiesAnti-Amb a 1 IgE

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) induces immune tolerance by shifting the immune response from Th2 to Th1/Treg, increasing protective IgG4 levels, and desensitizing mast cells and basophils [4]. Monoclonal antibodies like omalizumab bind to the Fc region of IgE, preventing its interaction with the high-affinity FcεRI receptor [2]. Experimental monoclonal antibodies (e.g., REGN1908/1909) are designed to specifically neutralize Amb a 1-specific IgE or target the B-cell receptors on Amb a 1-specific B cells to prevent their activation and subsequent IgE production [5].