German cockroach allergens (Bla g)

German cockroach allergens are a group of proteins produced by the species Blattella germanica that serve as potent environmental triggers for IgE-mediated allergic diseases [1]. These allergens, including major proteins such as Bla g 1, Bla g 2 (an aspartic protease), and Bla g 5 (a glutathione S-transferase), are primarily found in cockroach feces, saliva, and cast skins [2]. In sensitized individuals, exposure to these proteins leads to the production of allergen-specific IgE antibodies, which trigger the release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells and basophils, contributing to chronic airway inflammation [3]. This sensitization is a major risk factor for the development and exacerbation of asthma and allergic rhinitis, particularly in urban environments [4]. Therapeutic strategies include environmental remediation to reduce exposure and allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which aims to induce long-term immune tolerance by modulating T-cell and B-cell responses [5]. Sources: [1] WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee (allergen.org). [2] Pomés A, et al. (2017). Cockroach Allergens: Species, Molecular Characteristics, and Allergen Standardization. J Allergy Clin Immunol. [3] Do et al. (2016). Cockroach allergen biology and protective immunity. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. [4] Arruda LK, et al. (2001). Cockroach allergens and asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. [5] Satyraj E, et al. (2016). Cockroach allergens: a review. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Other names

Blattella germanica allergensCockroach allergensBla g 1Bla g 2Bla g 4Bla g 5Bla g 6Bla g 7Bla g 8Bla g 11

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) induces immune tolerance by promoting the expansion of regulatory T (Treg) and B (Breg) cells, shifting the cytokine profile from Th2 to Th1, and inducing the production of blocking antibodies such as IgG4 [2][5].