Hevea brasiliensis allergens (NRL allergens)

Hevea brasiliensis allergens are a group of proteins found in the natural rubber latex (NRL) harvested from the Para rubber tree. These proteins, designated Hev b 1 through Hev b 15 by the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee, serve various physiological roles in the plant, including defense against pathogens and stabilization of rubber particles (WHO/IUIS, 2024; Raulf, 2020). In humans, these allergens are the primary cause of latex allergy, a Type I hypersensitivity reaction mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) (Baur et al., 2015). Exposure can occur through direct skin contact, inhalation of powder from latex gloves, or mucosal contact during medical procedures, leading to symptoms ranging from contact urticaria to life-threatening anaphylaxis (Pariyaprasert et al., 2023). In the pharmaceutical context, these allergens are the targets for diagnostic assays and allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which seeks to desensitize the immune system through controlled exposure to allergen extracts (Raulf, 2020). Additionally, certain latex allergens share structural homology with proteins in fruits like bananas and avocados, leading to the clinically significant latex-fruit syndrome (Wagner and Breiteneder, 2002).

Other names

Natural rubber latex allergensLatex allergensHev b proteinsPara rubber tree allergens

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) induces immune tolerance by promoting regulatory T-cell (Treg) activity and shifting the immune response from a Th2-mediated IgE production to a Th1/Treg-mediated IgG4 production (Raulf, 2020; Pariyaprasert et al., 2023).