Dactylis glomerata allergen 12 (Dac g 12)

Dac g 12 is a profilin protein derived from Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as cocksfoot or orchard grass. As a member of the profilin family, it functions as an actin-binding protein involved in the regulation of the cytoskeleton and signal transduction within the plant cell. In the context of human health, Dac g 12 is recognized as a minor allergen but acts as a significant pan-allergen due to its high structural conservation across various plant species, including grasses, weeds, and trees. This conservation often leads to cross-reactivity, contributing to pollen-food allergy syndrome where sensitized individuals react to various fruits and vegetables. In clinical practice, Dac g 12 is a target for diagnostic testing and allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT). While not a traditional drug target like an enzyme or receptor, it is the molecular entity against which immune tolerance is sought in patients suffering from grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis and asthma. Therapeutic approaches involve the controlled exposure to the allergen to modulate the immune system, specifically by increasing regulatory T cells and inducing the production of blocking IgG4 antibodies. Understanding the sensitization profile to Dac g 12 helps clinicians predict potential cross-reactivities and tailor immunotherapy components for better patient outcomes.

Other names

Profilin Dac g 12Cocksfoot grass profilinOrchard grass profilin

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) works by inducing immune tolerance through the administration of increasing doses of the allergen, shifting the immune response from a Th2-mediated allergic profile to a Th1/Treg-mediated regulatory profile, thereby reducing IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation.