Major grass pollen allergen

Major grass pollen allergens are a group of proteins found in the pollen of grasses, and are key triggers of seasonal allergic diseases such as hay fever and asthma worldwide. These allergens are classified into multiple groups based on structural and immunological properties, with Groups 1 and 5 being the most clinically significant due to their high prevalence of IgE recognition among allergic individuals[2][3]. Group 1 allergens (e.g., Phl p 1 from timothy grass, Lol p 1 from rye grass, Zea m 1 from maize) are cell wall-loosening proteins belonging to the β-expansin family, facilitating pollen tube penetration in plants and acting as potent inducers of allergic reactions in humans[3][5]. Group 13 allergens are polygalacturonases, enzymes possibly involved in plant cell wall modification, and also induce IgE responses and allergic symptoms; Groups V and VI are protease-resistant, four-helix-bundle domain proteins[1][4]. These allergens are highly conserved across grass species, with significant isoform variation and cross-reactivity. In clinical practice, diagnosis and immunotherapy target these specific proteins, but challenges remain due to extract variability and risk of severe allergy[2][1][3]. Clarification: The entry “Major grass pollen allergens” is a plural, non-canonical form encompassing multiple specific molecular allergens (such as Phl p 1, Phl p 5, Phl p 13) rather than a single molecule, receptor, or gene product. It is therefore considered to be incorrect or too broad as a canonical singular therapeutic target. Each specific allergen (e.g., Phl p 1: Group 1 Timothy grass pollen allergen) should be listed individually.

Other names

Group 1 grass pollen allergenGroup 5 grass pollen allergenGroup 13 grass pollen allergenGrass pollen allergenPhl p 1Phl p 5Phl p 13Lol p 1Zea m 1Group V allergenGroup VI allergen

Induction of IgE-mediated immune response; allergen-specific immunotherapy works by immune deviation (IgG4 blocking antibodies, T-cell tolerance)