Olea europaea allergens (Ole e)

Olea europaea allergens, primarily found in olive tree pollen, are the molecular triggers for seasonal respiratory allergies in Mediterranean regions. The major allergen, Ole e 1, is a glycoprotein that induces the production of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in sensitized individuals (UniProt P19963). Upon subsequent exposure, these allergens cross-link IgE on the surface of mast cells and basophils, triggering the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine. This process leads to clinical symptoms of allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and bronchial asthma (PMID: 25630481). In a therapeutic context, these allergens are the primary components of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which aims to modify the immune system's response by inducing desensitization and long-term tolerance (PMID: 30144161). AIT works by shifting the immune profile from a Th2-driven allergic response to a Th1 and Regulatory T cell-mediated response. Additionally, the immune pathway activated by these allergens is targeted by biological therapies like omalizumab, which binds to circulating IgE to prevent its interaction with high-affinity receptors (FDA Label). Other treatments include dupilumab, which targets the IL-4/IL-13 signaling pathway involved in the allergic cascade.

Other names

Olive pollen allergensOle e allergensOlea europaea pollen extractImmune response to Olea europaea allergens

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) induces immunological tolerance by shifting the T-cell response from Th2 to Th1/Treg, increasing the production of blocking IgG4 antibodies, and reducing mast cell and basophil reactivity (PMID: 30144161).