Ctenocephalides felis allergen (Cte f)

Ctenocephalides felis allergens are a group of proteins, primarily found in the saliva of the cat flea, that trigger hypersensitivity reactions in susceptible hosts. The most significant of these is Cte f 1, an 18 kDa salivary protein that is recognized by IgE in the majority of flea-allergic dogs and cats. Other notable allergens include Cte f 2 and Cte f 3. These proteins are introduced into the host's skin during the flea's blood-feeding process, where they elicit an immune response characterized by the production of allergen-specific IgE and the activation of mast cells and basophils. This leads to Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD), a common and often severe inflammatory skin condition in domestic animals, and can also cause papular urticaria in humans. In a therapeutic context, these allergens serve as the active components in allergen immunotherapy (AIT), where standardized flea extracts are administered to patients to induce immunological tolerance and reduce clinical symptoms upon subsequent flea exposure.

Other names

Cat flea allergenFlea salivary allergenCte f 1Cte f 2Cte f 3Flea salivary protein

Allergen immunotherapy (desensitization) to induce immune tolerance