House dust mite–specific B-cell receptor (HDM-specific BCR)

House dust mite–specific B-cell receptors (HDM-specific BCRs) are membrane-bound immunoglobulins expressed on the surface of B cells that specifically recognize allergens from Dermatophagoides species, such as Der p 1 and Der p 2 (PMID: 33550038). These receptors are central to the development of Type I hypersensitivity, as their activation leads to the production of allergen-specific IgE, which mediates allergic asthma and rhinitis (PMID: 30639351). In healthy individuals, HDM-specific B cells typically produce IgG or IgA, whereas in allergic patients, there is a bias toward IgE production and memory B cell persistence (PMID: 32413385). Therapeutic targeting of these receptors is primarily achieved through allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), such as Odactra or Acarizax, which works by inducing immune tolerance and promoting the production of blocking IgG4 antibodies (PMID: 28434687). Modern research utilizes HDM-allergen tetramers to isolate these specific B cells for repertoire analysis and to develop more precise biologics that could potentially deplete or silence only the pathogenic B cell clones (PMID: 33550038).

Other names

Dermatophagoides-specific B-cell receptorHDM-reactive B-cell receptorDer p-specific B-cell receptorDer f-specific B-cell receptor

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) involves the administration of increasing doses of allergens to induce immunological tolerance. This process modulates the B-cell receptor signaling environment, promoting the expansion of regulatory B cells (Bregs) and shifting the antibody response from pathogenic IgE to protective IgG4 (PMID: 28434687).