Immunoglobulin E specific for Pen c 13 epitopes (sIgE (Pen c 13))

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) specific for Pen c 13 epitopes is a specialized antibody subset that mediates Type I hypersensitivity to the mold Penicillium citrinum. Pen c 13 is an alkaline serine protease and a major allergen of this species (Shen et al., Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 1999). These specific IgE molecules bind to Pen c 13 and anchor to high-affinity FcεRI receptors on mast cells and basophils. Upon subsequent exposure, the allergen cross-links these IgE-receptor complexes, triggering the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine and leukotrienes (Galli et al., Nature, 2008). This process is central to the pathogenesis of mold-induced allergic rhinitis and asthma. Therapeutic strategies include the use of Omalizumab, which non-specifically binds the Fc region of IgE to prevent receptor interaction (FDA, Xolair Label), and allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which uses Pen c 13 extracts to induce immune tolerance and "blocking" IgG4 antibodies (Akdis & Akdis, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2014). Monitoring Pen c 13-specific IgE levels serves as a critical biomarker for diagnosing sensitization and monitoring treatment efficacy (Hamilton, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2010).

Other names

Pen c 13-specific IgEAnti-Pen c 13 IgESpecific IgE to Penicillium citrinum alkaline serine protease

Omalizumab binds to the Fc region of circulating IgE, preventing its attachment to FcεRI receptors on mast cells and basophils. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) involves repeated exposure to Pen c 13 epitopes to induce immune tolerance, characterized by a shift from Th2 to Th1/Treg responses and the production of allergen-specific IgG4 blocking antibodies.