Grass pollen-specific B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) (BCR)

Grass pollen-specific B-cell antigen receptors (BCRs) are specialized membrane-bound immunoglobulins on B lymphocytes that selectively bind allergens from grass species, most notably the Phl p 1 and Phl p 5 proteins from Timothy grass (Galson et al., 2020). These receptors are central to the pathophysiology of Type I hypersensitivity, as their activation leads to the expansion of B-cell clones that produce allergen-specific IgE, which subsequently sensitizes mast cells and basophils (Heeringa et al., 2020). In clinical practice, these BCRs are the functional targets of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which aims to induce immune tolerance by modifying the B-cell repertoire. Successful AIT results in a class-switch from IgE to IgG4 within these specific B-cell lineages, where IgG4 serves as a 'blocking' antibody that prevents allergen-induced receptor cross-linking (Shamji & Durham, 2017). Furthermore, AIT promotes the differentiation of these B cells into regulatory B cells (Bregs) that secrete IL-10, suppressing allergic inflammation. Understanding the clonal evolution and structural characteristics of these BCRs is vital for the development of next-generation biologics and recombinant vaccines for allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Other names

Grass pollen-specific BCRAllergen-specific B-cell receptorPhl p-specific B-cell receptorTimothy grass allergen-specific BCR

Induction of immune tolerance by promoting B-cell class-switching from IgE to IgG4, expanding regulatory B-cell (Breg) populations, and reducing B-cell sensitivity to allergens (Shamji & Durham, 2017; Galson et al., 2020).