Festuca pratensis allergen 13 (Fes p 13)

Fes p 13 is a protein allergen found in the pollen of Festuca pratensis, commonly known as meadow fescue, a perennial grass species widely distributed in temperate regions [2, 16]. It is classified as a Group 13 grass allergen and functions biochemically as a polygalacturonase, an enzyme that hydrolyzes alpha-1,4-D-galactosiduronic linkages in pectin to facilitate pollen tube growth and germination [2, 3]. In individuals sensitized to grass pollen, inhalation of Fes p 13 triggers Type I hypersensitivity reactions, leading to clinical symptoms such as allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma [2, 18]. While often considered a minor allergen compared to Groups 1 and 5, it is a significant component for the diagnosis and treatment of pollinosis [3, 16]. Fes p 13 is a target for allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), where controlled exposure to the allergen aims to desensitize the immune system and provide long-term relief from allergic symptoms [2, 17].

Other names

Meadow fescue allergen 13Polygalacturonase Fes p 13Fes p 13.0101

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) induces immunological tolerance by shifting the immune response from a Th2-dominated profile to a Th1/Treg profile, increasing the production of regulatory cytokines like IL-10 and allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies that block IgE-mediated mast cell activation [2, 4, 18].