House dust mite allergens (Dermatophagoides allergens) (HDM allergens)

House dust mite (HDM) allergens are a diverse group of proteins derived from mites such as Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae that function as potent immunogens. The most clinically significant allergens are the Group 1 (e.g., Der p 1) and Group 2 (e.g., Der p 2) proteins, which are the primary drivers of IgE-mediated allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and asthma (UniProt, 2023). Der p 1 is a cysteine protease that can degrade tight junctions in the airway epithelium, while Der p 2 mimics the human MD-2 protein to facilitate TLR4 signaling, both of which enhance the allergic sensitization process (Jacquet, 2013). In clinical medicine, HDM allergens are utilized as the active pharmaceutical ingredients in allergen immunotherapy (AIT) products like Odactra and Actair. These therapies aim to reprogram the immune system by inducing peripheral T-cell tolerance and promoting the production of protective IgG4 antibodies, which compete with IgE for allergen binding (FDA, 2017). Emerging therapies also include monoclonal antibodies designed to neutralize specific HDM allergens to prevent the onset of allergic cascades (Regeneron, 2020).

Other names

Dermatophagoides allergensHDM extractDer p 1Der p 2Der f 1Der f 2House dust mite immunogens

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) induces immune tolerance by promoting the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the production of allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies, which act as blocking antibodies to prevent IgE-mediated mast cell and basophil degranulation (Akdis & Akdis, 2014; FDA, 2017).