House dust mite allergen Der p 2 (Der p 2)

Der p 2 is a 14-kDa protein derived from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and is one of the most clinically significant indoor allergens globally. It belongs to the MD-2-related lipid-recognition (ML) domain family and functions as a structural and functional mimic of the myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD-2), the LPS-binding component of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) complex. By binding lipopolysaccharides and facilitating TLR4 signaling, Der p 2 acts as an adjuvant that promotes Th2-polarized airway inflammation and sensitization. In therapeutic contexts, Der p 2 is a primary target for allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), where controlled exposure to the protein via sublingual or subcutaneous routes aims to desensitize the immune system. Modern drug development focuses on recombinant Der p 2 variants or peptide vaccines designed to reduce IgE-mediated side effects while maintaining T-cell reactivity to induce long-term immune tolerance.

Other names

Major mite allergen Der p 2Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen 2ML domain-containing protein Der p 2

Induction of immunological tolerance through allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), promoting a shift from a Th2-mediated allergic response to a Th1/Treg-mediated protective response and increasing allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies.