B-cell receptor specific for grass pollen allergen (BCR)

B-cell receptors (BCRs) specific for grass pollen allergens are membrane-bound immunoglobulins on B lymphocytes that recognize proteins like Phl p 1 and Phl p 5 (UniProt, PubMed: 30102910). These receptors mediate allergen uptake and B-cell activation, leading to IgE production and allergic sensitization (NIH, PubMed: 28923362). In allergic diseases like hay fever, BCR-mediated signaling contributes to the inflammatory cascade upon allergen exposure (StatPearls). Therapeutic targeting via allergen immunotherapy (AIT) uses grass pollen extracts (e.g., Grazax, Oralair) to bind these BCRs and induce immune tolerance (PubMed: 29453757). This treatment promotes a class switch from IgE to protective IgG4 and the induction of regulatory B cells (Bregs) (PubMed: 25772351). Monitoring the activity and frequency of these specific B cells serves as a vital tool for assessing the efficacy of immunotherapy and understanding the mechanisms of immune tolerance.

Other names

Grass pollen-specific B-cell receptorAllergen-specific B-cell receptorPhl p-specific BCRGrass pollen-specific BCR

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) involves the administration of grass pollen allergens that bind to the specific B-cell receptor (BCR). This interaction, under controlled conditions, induces the differentiation of regulatory B cells (Bregs) and shifts antibody production from IgE to IgG4, thereby neutralizing the allergen and suppressing the allergic immune response (PubMed: 29453757, PubMed: 25772351).