Major dog allergen Can f 1 (Can f 1)

Major dog allergen Can f 1 is a member of the lipocalin protein family and is the primary allergen responsible for dog sensitivity in approximately 50-70% of dog-allergic individuals. It is produced in the tongue and salivary glands of Canis familiaris and is spread to the fur and environment through licking and dander. Structurally, it functions as a carrier protein for small hydrophobic molecules such as pheromones or lipids, which may contribute to its allergenicity by interacting with the innate immune system. In clinical practice, Can f 1 is a critical target for component-resolved diagnostics and allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT). AIT aims to desensitize patients by administering controlled doses of the allergen to induce immunological tolerance and reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma. While highly effective for many, the use of Can f 1 in therapy carries a risk of IgE-mediated systemic reactions, requiring careful patient monitoring.

Other names

Canis familiaris allergen 1Dog allergen 1Lipocalin-1

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) works by inducing peripheral T-cell tolerance, increasing the production of regulatory T cells (Tregs), and shifting the immune response from a Th2-dominated profile to a Th1-dominated profile, while also inducing the production of blocking IgG4 antibodies.