Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen group 2 (Der p 2)

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen group 2 (Der p 2) is a major 15 kDa protein allergen derived from the European house dust mite, primarily concentrated in mite fecal pellets. It belongs to the MD-2-related lipid-recognition (ML) domain family and the Niemann-Pick C2 (NPC2) protein family, featuring a beta-sandwich fold that forms a hydrophobic cavity for lipid binding. Biologically, Der p 2 acts as a functional mimic of MD-2, the co-receptor for Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), which allows it to facilitate TLR4 signaling and act as an auto-adjuvant that promotes Th2-skewed allergic sensitization. It is a primary driver of allergic diseases such as asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis, with over 80% of mite-allergic individuals exhibiting sensitivity to it. In therapeutic contexts, Der p 2 is the central target of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), where controlled exposure to the allergen induces immune tolerance by shifting the immune response from a Th2 to a Th1/Treg profile. Standardized extracts and recombinant versions of the protein are used in clinical practice and trials to desensitize patients and reduce allergic symptoms.

Other names

Der p 2Der p IIMajor dust mite allergen Der p 2DPX

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) / Desensitization