B-cell receptor specific for shrimp allergens (BCR)

B-cell receptors (BCRs) specific for shrimp allergens, most notably the major muscle protein tropomyosin (Pen a 1), are membrane-bound immunoglobulins that play a central role in the pathogenesis of shellfish allergy. These receptors allow B cells to recognize and internalize shrimp proteins, leading to B-cell activation, antigen presentation to T cells, and the subsequent production of allergen-specific IgE antibodies (Ayuso et al., 2002, PMID: 11907461). In sensitized individuals, the cross-linking of these IgE antibodies on mast cells and basophils triggers the release of inflammatory mediators, resulting in symptoms ranging from mild urticaria to fatal anaphylaxis (Reese et al., 1999, PMID: 10340932). Targeting these specific BCRs is a primary goal of allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), which seeks to shift the immune response from a Th2-mediated IgE production toward a more tolerant Th1 or Treg-mediated IgG4 response (Eckl-Dorna et al., 2019, PMID: 30639151). Modern therapeutic approaches are also exploring the use of monoclonal antibodies like Omalizumab to sequester IgE or engineered cell therapies to selectively target B cells expressing these shrimp-specific receptors. Understanding the repertoire and affinity of these BCRs is essential for developing precision diagnostics and effective treatments for food-induced hypersensitivity.

Other names

Shrimp allergen-specific B-cell receptorPen a 1-specific B-cell receptorTropomyosin-specific B-cell receptorAnti-shrimp tropomyosin BCRShellfish allergen-specific B-cell receptor

Induction of immune tolerance, neutralization of allergen-specific IgE, or selective depletion of allergen-reactive B-cell populations to reduce hypersensitivity.