House dust mite allergen extract (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae) (HDM allergen extract)

House dust mite (HDM) allergen extract, derived from the species Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, is the primary therapeutic agent used in allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) for dust mite allergies [1]. These extracts contain a complex mixture of proteins, most notably the Group 1 (cysteine proteases) and Group 2 (NPC2 family) allergens, which are the major triggers for IgE-mediated hypersensitivity [3]. In sensitized individuals, these allergens cross-link IgE on mast cells and basophils, leading to the release of inflammatory mediators that cause symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma [4]. Therapeutic administration of these allergens, either subcutaneously or sublingually, works by inducing immunological tolerance. This process involves the expansion of regulatory T-cells (Tregs), a shift from a Th2 to a Th1 cytokine profile, and the induction of blocking antibodies such as IgG4, which compete with IgE for allergen binding [2, 4]. Consequently, the immune system becomes less reactive to environmental exposure, providing long-term clinical benefits and potentially preventing the progression from rhinitis to asthma [1, 2].

Other names

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergenDermatophagoides farinae allergenHouse dust mite allergensHDM allergensDer p 1Der p 2Der f 1Der f 2House dust mite allergen extract

Induction of immune tolerance through repeated exposure, leading to a shift from Th2 to Th1/Treg responses, increased production of allergen-specific IgG4, and decreased IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation [2, 4].