Immune system response to birch pollen allergens

The immune system response to birch pollen allergens is characterized by the recognition and uptake of the major allergen protein Bet v 1 by antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages. This process involves innate immune receptors, such as Toll-like receptor 4, as well as Fcε receptors. The response leads to activation of Th2-type immunity and increased production of cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 in allergic individuals, resulting in symptoms of allergic rhinitis and inflammation. Non-allergic individuals exhibit a predominance of Th1-like responses. The process is complex, involving antigen processing, presentation, and subsequent adaptive immune activation, and is implicated in diseases such as seasonal allergy and asthma

Other names

Birch pollen allergenBetula verrucosa allergen 1Birch major allergen

Allergen immunotherapy: Induction of immune tolerance by repeated exposure to Bet v 1 or birch pollen extract Anti-IgE antibody: Blocks the binding of IgE to Fcε receptors to inhibit allergic signaling