Cysteine protease Amb a 11 (Amb a 11)

Cysteine protease Amb a 11, originally identified as Amb a x, is a major allergen found in the pollen of short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) [1, 2]. It belongs to the C1 family of cysteine proteases and shares significant structural and functional homology with other potent allergens, such as the house dust mite allergen Der p 1 [1, 4]. Amb a 11 possesses intrinsic proteolytic activity that can degrade tight junction proteins in the respiratory epithelium, thereby facilitating its own penetration and the entry of other allergens into the underlying tissue to trigger an immune response [1, 3]. It is recognized by IgE antibodies in approximately 60-70% of ragweed-allergic individuals, making it a critical component for both diagnosis and the development of component-resolved immunotherapy [1, 3, 4]. In clinical practice, Amb a 11 is a target of allergen immunotherapy (AIT), which aims to desensitize the immune system and induce long-term tolerance [5]. While traditional ragweed extracts are standardized based on Amb a 1 content, the inclusion and recognition of Amb a 11 are increasingly seen as essential for improving the efficacy of treatments like the sublingual tablet Ragwitek [1, 5].

Other names

Amb a xShort ragweed cysteine proteaseAmbrosia artemisiifolia cysteine proteasePollen allergen Amb a 11

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) induces immune tolerance by promoting the development of regulatory T cells (Tregs), suppressing Th2-mediated inflammation, and stimulating the production of allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies that block IgE binding [1, 5].