B-cell receptors specific for Aspergillus fumigatus allergens

B-cell receptors (BCRs) specific for Aspergillus fumigatus allergens are specialized membrane-bound immunoglobulins found on the surface of B lymphocytes that selectively recognize and bind to antigenic proteins from the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus (Crameri et al., 2014, 'Aspergillus fumigatus and its allergens as targets of the immune system'). These receptors are central to the development of Type I hypersensitivity and complex immune-mediated conditions such as Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) and severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS) (Agarwal et al., 2020, 'Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis'). When these BCRs encounter allergens like Asp f 1 or Asp f 3, they initiate signaling cascades that drive B cell proliferation and the production of allergen-specific IgE antibodies, which subsequently sensitize mast cells and basophils (Knutsen et al., 2012, 'Aspergillus-sensitive asthma and ABPA'). While traditional therapies like Omalizumab target the secreted form of these antibodies (IgE), emerging therapeutic strategies aim to directly modulate or deplete the specific B cell clones expressing these BCRs to achieve long-term desensitization (Maurer et al., 2018, 'The role of IgE and B cells in allergy'). Understanding the repertoire and activation of these receptors is crucial for developing precision treatments for fungal-related respiratory diseases. These receptors also serve as important diagnostic markers, as their frequency and specificity can reflect the severity of the allergic response in patients.

Other names

Aspergillus-specific B-cell receptorsAnti-Aspergillus BCRsAspergillus fumigatus allergen-specific BCRsIgE-BCRs for Aspergillus

Omalizumab binds to the C-epsilon-3 domain of IgE, preventing its binding to Fc-epsilon-RI on mast cells and basophils, and also reduces the expression of IgE-BCRs on B cells (FDA Label: Xolair, 2023). Dupilumab inhibits IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, which is required for B cell class-switch recombination to IgE (Sanofi/Regeneron: Dupixent, 2023). Specific immunotherapy involves the administration of allergen extracts to induce T-cell tolerance and shift the B cell response from IgE to IgG4 production (Akdis et al., 2011, 'Mechanisms of allergen-specific immunotherapy').