Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen group 1 (Der p 1)

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen group 1 (Der p 1) is a 25 kDa cysteine protease and a major allergen produced by the European house dust mite (UniProt: P08176). It is primarily found in mite fecal pellets and functions biologically as a digestive enzyme for the mite. In humans, Der p 1 acts as a potent initiator of allergic sensitization by cleaving tight junction proteins such as occludin and claudin-1, thereby increasing the permeability of the respiratory epithelium (Gough et al., 1999, J Exp Med). It also modulates the immune system by cleaving CD23 and CD25, which facilitates a Th2-polarized response and the production of IgE antibodies (WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature). Clinically, Der p 1 is the primary component of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) products like Odactra and Acarizax, which aim to desensitize patients and induce long-term tolerance (FDA, 2017). Understanding its protease activity and immunogenicity is crucial for developing targeted treatments for allergic asthma and rhinitis.

Other names

Major mite fecal allergen Der p 1Peptidase 1Der p ICysteine protease Der p 1

Induction of immunological tolerance through allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which promotes a shift from Th2 to Th1/Treg immune responses and increases the production of allergen-specific IgG4 blocking antibodies.