Immune response to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergens

The immune response to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergens is a complex physiological process rather than a single molecular target. It involves the sensitization and subsequent hypersensitivity reaction to proteins derived from the European house dust mite, most notably the major allergens Der p 1, Der p 2, and Der p 23 [1][2]. In sensitized individuals, the immune system produces allergen-specific IgE antibodies that bind to high-affinity receptors (FcεRI) on mast cells and basophils. Upon re-exposure, these allergens cross-link the IgE-receptor complexes, triggering the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine and leukotrienes, which drive the clinical symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma [2][3]. Therapeutic interventions, such as allergen immunotherapy (AIT), aim to modify this response by inducing immunological tolerance. This is achieved through the induction of regulatory T cells and the production of 'blocking' IgG4 antibodies that compete with IgE for allergen binding, thereby preventing the allergic cascade [4][5]. Sources: [1] WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee (allergen.org); [2] Thomas, W. R. (2015) Int Arch Allergy Immunol; [3] Calderón, M. A., et al. (2015) J Allergy Clin Immunol; [4] Shamji, M. H., & Durham, S. R. (2017) J Allergy Clin Immunol; [5] FDA (2017) Odactra Prescribing Information.

Other names

House dust mite allergyHDM allergyDermatophagoides pteronyssinus hypersensitivityAllergic response to Der pSensitization to house dust mite

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) involves the repeated administration of specific Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergens to induce peripheral T-cell tolerance, increase the production of regulatory T cells (Tregs), and promote the synthesis of allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies that block IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation [1][4].