B-cell receptor specific for house dust mite allergen (HDM-specific BCR)

B-cell receptors (BCRs) specific for house dust mite (HDM) allergens are membrane-bound immunoglobulins expressed on the surface of B lymphocytes that recognize and bind to specific proteins from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus or Dermatophagoides farinae (PubMed: 31433956). These receptors play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, by mediating the activation of B cells and their subsequent differentiation into IgE-secreting plasma cells (PubMed: 28940159). Upon binding to HDM allergens like Der p 1 or Der p 2, the BCR triggers intracellular signaling pathways that lead to allergen uptake, processing, and presentation to T cells, further amplifying the allergic immune response (StatPearls: NBK537020). Therapeutic strategies targeting these receptors primarily include allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which aims to desensitize the immune system and promote the development of regulatory B cells and IgG4-producing cells (FDA: Odactra Label). Emerging research also explores the use of engineered cells or targeted biologics to selectively deplete or modulate HDM-specific B cells to provide long-term relief from allergic symptoms (PubMed: 33053370).

Other names

House dust mite-specific B-cell receptorHDM-BCRAllergen-specific B-cell receptorDer p-specific BCRDer f-specific BCR

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) involves the repeated administration of specific allergens (e.g., Der p 1, Der p 2) which bind to the HDM-specific BCR. This process induces immunological tolerance by promoting B-cell class switching from pro-allergic IgE to protective IgG4, increasing the frequency of regulatory B cells (Bregs), and reducing the activation of allergen-specific Th2 cells (PubMed: 28940159, PubMed: 31433956).