Blattella germanica allergens (Bla g)

Blattella germanica allergens are a complex group of proteins produced by the German cockroach that serve as potent indoor aeroallergens. These proteins, including major allergens like Bla g 1, Bla g 2 (an aspartic protease), and Bla g 5 (a glutathione S-transferase), are found in cockroach secretions, feces, and decaying body parts (Pomés et al., 2017). Exposure to these allergens is a primary risk factor for the development of allergic sensitization and is strongly associated with the severity of asthma, particularly in urban populations (Arruda et al., 2001). The biological functions of these allergens vary, ranging from enzymatic activity to transport roles and structural muscle functions, which often leads to cross-reactivity with other invertebrates (WHO/IUIS, 2023). In a clinical context, these allergens are the targets of diagnostic tests and allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which aims to induce immune tolerance. Modern therapeutic approaches also include monoclonal antibodies that target the underlying Th2 inflammatory pathway triggered by these allergens (NIH, 2022).

Other names

German cockroach allergensCockroach allergensBla g allergens

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) involves the repeated administration of allergen extracts to induce peripheral immune tolerance by increasing regulatory T cells (Tregs) and producing allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies, which compete with IgE for allergen binding and inhibit mast cell degranulation (Pomés et al., 2017).