House dust mite allergen proteins (Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) (HDM allergens)

House dust mite (HDM) allergen proteins from Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus are the primary environmental triggers for indoor allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis and asthma (Source: WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature). These proteins, such as the Group 1 cysteine proteases (Der p 1, Der f 1) and Group 2 lipid-binding proteins (Der p 2, Der f 2), act as potent antigens that stimulate the production of specific IgE antibodies in susceptible individuals (Source: UniProt P08176, P49278). Beyond their antigenic properties, some HDM allergens possess enzymatic activities that can compromise the integrity of the respiratory epithelium, facilitating further allergen penetration and immune activation. In clinical practice, these proteins serve as the active components in allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which aims to modify the underlying disease process by inducing immunological tolerance. AIT products, available as sublingual tablets or subcutaneous injections, work by gradually desensitizing the patient's immune system to these specific mite proteins (Source: FDA Odactra Prescribing Information). This therapeutic approach leads to long-term reduction in symptoms and medication use by modulating the T-cell and B-cell responses to the allergens.

Other names

Der f allergensDer p allergensHouse dust mite extractHDM proteinsDermatophagoides allergensMite allergen extract

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) induces immune tolerance by shifting the immune response from a Th2-mediated allergic profile to a Treg/Th1-mediated profile. This process involves the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) that produce IL-10 and TGF-beta, leading to the production of allergen-specific IgG4 blocking antibodies that compete with IgE for allergen binding, thereby inhibiting mast cell and basophil degranulation (Source: EAACI Guidelines, 2017; FDA Odactra Prescribing Information).