Cryptomeria japonica allergen 2 (Cry J 2) (Cry J 2)

Cryptomeria japonica allergen 2 (Cry J 2) is a major allergen found in the pollen of the Japanese cedar tree, which is a primary cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis in Japan. Biologically, Cry J 2 is a polygalacturonase enzyme involved in the degradation of pectin during pollen germination (UniProt: P43212). In sensitized individuals, the adaptive immune system recognizes Cry J 2, leading to the production of allergen-specific IgE antibodies and the activation of Th2-type T-cells (PubMed: 8064051). This immune response triggers the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine, resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion. Therapeutic interventions targeting this response include allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which uses standardized extracts of Japanese cedar pollen to desensitize the patient (PubMed: 25219366). These treatments, such as sublingual tablets like Cedarcure, aim to induce peripheral tolerance by promoting the development of regulatory T-cells and the production of IgG4 blocking antibodies. Monitoring the efficacy of such treatments often involves measuring levels of Cry J 2-specific IgE and IgG4 in the patient's serum.

Other names

PolygalacturonaseCry j IIJapanese cedar pollen allergen 2

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) induces immune tolerance by shifting the T-cell response from Th2 to Th1/Treg and stimulating the production of allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies that block IgE binding.