Canis familiaris allergen 1 (Can f 1) (Can f 1)

Dog allergens are a group of proteins, primarily Canis familiaris allergen 1 (Can f 1), that trigger hypersensitivity reactions in sensitized individuals. Can f 1 is a member of the lipocalin family, which are small proteins typically involved in the transport of hydrophobic molecules such as lipids and pheromones [UniProt P0DPH5]. These allergens are secreted in dog saliva and dander, becoming easily airborne and persisting in environments for extended periods. In the context of clinical pharmacology, dog allergens are the active components in allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which aims to desensitize the patient's immune system [NIH StatPearls, 2023]. By administering controlled, increasing doses of the allergen, the therapy promotes a shift from an IgE-mediated Th2 response to a Th1 and regulatory T-cell response. This leads to the production of protective IgG4 antibodies that neutralize the allergen before it can trigger inflammatory mediator release from mast cells and basophils [Nilsson et al., 2014]. Other significant allergens include Can f 5, a prostatic kallikrein, and Can f 3, which is dog serum albumin [WHO/IUIS, 2024]. Understanding the molecular profile of these allergens is crucial for developing component-resolved diagnostics and personalized immunotherapy strategies.

Other names

Can f 1Can f 2Can f 3Can f 4Can f 5Can f 6Can f 7Major dog allergenDog dander allergenLipocalin-1

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) involves the repeated administration of the allergen to induce immunological tolerance, characterized by a shift from a Th2 to a Th1 immune response, the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs), and the production of allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies that block IgE binding [NIH StatPearls, 2023; Nilsson et al., 2014].