Cupressaceae pollen allergen

Cupressaceae pollen allergens are a group of clinically significant proteins found in the pollen of trees belonging to the Cupressaceae family, such as cypress, juniper, and cedar. These allergens, particularly the Group 1 pectate lyases like Cup a 1 and Cry j 1, are primary drivers of seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma in regions where these trees are prevalent, including the Mediterranean, Japan, and the United States (Armentia et al., 2007; WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature). Biologically, these proteins often function as enzymes involved in plant cell wall remodeling, such as pectate lyases and polygalacturonases, which facilitate pollen tube penetration (UniProt P13744). In sensitized individuals, these allergens cross-link IgE on mast cells and basophils, triggering the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. Therapeutically, these allergens are the active ingredients in allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) products, which aim to desensitize the immune system by inducing regulatory T cells and protective IgG4 antibodies (Pfaar et al., 2019). While AIT is the only disease-modifying treatment for Cupressaceae-induced allergy, it carries a risk of systemic allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, requiring careful clinical management.

Other names

Cypress pollen allergenJapanese cedar pollen allergenMountain cedar pollen allergenCupressaceae Group 1 allergenPectate lyase allergen

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) induces immune tolerance by shifting the immune response from a Th2-type to a Th1/Treg-type, increasing allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies, and reducing IgE-mediated mast cell activation.