Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group 1 allergen (Der p 1)

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group 1 allergen (Der p 1) is a 25 kDa cysteine protease and a major allergen found in the fecal pellets of the European house dust mite [UniProt: P08176]. It functions biologically as a digestive enzyme for the mite but acts as a significant trigger for human allergic sensitization by enzymatically degrading tight junction proteins, such as occludin and claudin, in the respiratory epithelium [PubMed: 10443571]. This disruption increases mucosal permeability, allowing allergens to penetrate the subepithelial layer and interact with dendritic cells [PubMed: 15947002]. Der p 1 also modulates the immune system by cleaving cell surface markers like CD23 (low-affinity IgE receptor) and CD25 (IL-2 receptor alpha chain), which skews the immune response toward a pro-allergic Th2 phenotype [PubMed: 9794447]. Clinically, Der p 1 is a primary component of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) products like Odactra and Acarizax, which are used to treat allergic rhinitis and asthma [FDA: Odactra Label]. These therapies aim to induce long-term immunological tolerance by promoting the production of regulatory T cells and allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies [PubMed: 21463111].

Other names

Der p 1Mite allergen Der p 1Cysteine protease Der p 1Major house dust mite allergen Der p 1Peptidase 1

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) induces immunological tolerance by shifting the immune response from Th2 to Th1, promoting regulatory T cell (Treg) activity, and stimulating the production of allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies that block IgE-mediated mast cell activation [PubMed: 21463111].