House dust mite (Dermatophagoides species) (HDM)

Dermatophagoides species, primarily Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, are microscopic mites that serve as the most prevalent source of indoor aeroallergens worldwide [7, 8]. These organisms produce over 30 distinct groups of allergenic proteins found in their digestive tracts and fecal pellets, with Group 1 (cysteine proteases) and Group 2 (lipid-binding proteins) being the primary drivers of sensitization [6, 11]. Inhalation or skin contact with these allergens triggers an IgE-mediated Type I hypersensitivity reaction, leading to chronic inflammatory conditions such as allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, and atopic dermatitis [1, 10]. In the pharmaceutical industry, Dermatophagoides species are used as the source material for allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) products, including sublingual tablets and subcutaneous injections [4, 13]. These treatments aim to modify the underlying disease by inducing immunological tolerance, shifting the immune profile from a pro-allergic Th2 state toward a regulatory or Th1-weighted response [2, 5].

Other names

House dust miteHDMDermatophagoides pteronyssinusDermatophagoides farinaeDermatophagoides microceras

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) involves the repeated administration of Dermatophagoides extracts to induce peripheral T-cell tolerance, stimulate the production of regulatory T cells (Tregs), and promote a class switch to allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies that block IgE-mediated mast cell activation [1, 5].