Major Birch Pollen Allergen Bet v 1

Bet v 1 is the major allergen found in birch (Betula verrucosa) pollen and is responsible for most cases of birch pollen allergy, affecting up to 95% of sensitized individuals. It belongs to the pathogenesis-related protein family PR-10. The precise biological function of Bet v 1 in plants remains unclear but it likely acts as a carrier for hydrophobic ligands—especially plant steroids such as brassinosteroids—which may be important for plant growth regulation and defense responses during stress or pathogen attack. It is recognized by IgE antibodies in allergic individuals and cross-reacts with homologous proteins in fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetables, leading to oral allergy syndrome.

Other names

Bet v 1