House dust mite-specific B-cell receptor (HDM-BCR)

House dust mite-specific B-cell receptors (BCRs) are membrane-bound immunoglobulins expressed on the surface of B lymphocytes that specifically recognize and bind to allergens from house dust mites, such as Der p 1 and Der p 2 (Heeringa et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2016). These receptors are present on both naïve B cells and memory B cells, where they play a pivotal role in the initiation and maintenance of allergic sensitization (Galson et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2015). In individuals with HDM allergy, the binding of allergens to these BCRs triggers B-cell activation, leading to the production of allergen-specific IgE antibodies that mediate Type I hypersensitivity reactions (Heeringa et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2016). These receptors are the primary targets of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which aims to induce immune tolerance by shifting the B-cell response from IgE production to the production of protective IgG4 antibodies and the expansion of regulatory B cells (Bregs) (Shamji & Durham, J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2017). Therapeutic interventions like Acarizax or Odactra utilize HDM allergen extracts to interact with these BCRs to desensitize the immune system (Demoly et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2016). Monitoring the frequency and isotype of B cells expressing HDM-specific BCRs serves as a critical tool for evaluating the success of immunotherapy and understanding the progression of allergic diseases like asthma and allergic rhinitis (Heeringa et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2016).

Other names

Dermatophagoides-specific B-cell receptorDer p-specific BCRHDM-specific BCRHouse dust mite-specific BCR

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) involves the administration of specific allergens to interact with HDM-specific BCRs, inducing immune tolerance through B-cell class switching to IgG4, induction of regulatory B cells, and reduction of allergen-specific IgE production (Shamji & Durham, J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2017).