Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus major allergen Der p 1 (Der p 1)

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus major allergen Der p 1 is a 25 kDa cysteine protease secreted by the European house dust mite (UniProt: P08176). It plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases by disrupting the respiratory epithelial barrier through the cleavage of tight junction proteins like occludin and claudin-1 (PubMed: 10485830). This enzymatic activity facilitates the penetration of allergens into the subepithelial space, where they encounter immune cells. Der p 1 also modulates the immune response by cleaving cell surface receptors such as CD23 (low-affinity IgE receptor) and CD25 (alpha subunit of the IL-2 receptor), further promoting Th2-type inflammation (PubMed: 9794443). In clinical practice, Der p 1 is a primary component of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) products, such as Acarizax and Odactra, which aim to desensitize patients and induce long-term tolerance (FDA: STN 125639). Research also explores the use of specific protease inhibitors to neutralize its enzymatic activity as a preventative strategy for asthma and rhinitis.

Other names

Peptidase 1Der p IMajor mite fecal allergen Der p 1House dust mite allergen Der p 1

Induction of immunological tolerance through allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), leading to a shift from Th2-mediated allergic responses to Th1/Treg-mediated protective responses and the production of blocking IgG4 antibodies (PubMed: 27515125).