Blomia tropicalis allergens (Blo t)

Blomia tropicalis allergens are a complex group of proteins derived from the tropical house dust mite, a major source of indoor sensitization in tropical and subtropical regions (WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-committee, allergen.org). These allergens include various functional classes such as cysteine proteases (Blo t 1), serine proteases (Blo t 3), and lipid-binding proteins (Blo t 5, Blo t 21), which are recognized as major allergens due to their high IgE-binding frequency in patient populations (UniProt, uniprot.org). In sensitized individuals, these proteins trigger Type I hypersensitivity reactions by cross-linking IgE on mast cells and basophils, leading to the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine and leukotrienes. This biological process is a primary driver of allergic diseases, including asthma, perennial rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis (Arlian et al., 2001, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology). In a therapeutic context, Blomia tropicalis allergens are used as the active components in allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) to induce immunological tolerance. The treatment aims to modify the disease course by promoting regulatory T cell activity and inducing blocking IgG4 antibodies that prevent the allergen from binding to IgE (Caraballo et al., 2020, Frontiers in Immunology).

Other names

Tropical house dust mite allergensBlo t allergensBlomia tropicalis mite proteins

Induction of immune tolerance via allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), involving the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the production of allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies to block IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation (Caraballo et al., 2020, Frontiers in Immunology).