Parietaria-specific B-cell receptor (Parietaria-specific BCR)

Parietaria-specific B-cell receptors (BCRs) are membrane-bound immunoglobulins expressed on the surface of B lymphocytes that specifically recognize and bind to allergens from the Parietaria genus, such as Parietaria judaica (Colombo et al., 1998). These receptors are central to the development of Type I hypersensitivity, as they mediate the initial recognition of major pollen allergens like Par j 1 and Par j 2 (UniProt P55958, P55959). Upon allergen binding, the BCR initiates signaling cascades that lead to B-cell activation, proliferation, and class-switch recombination to IgE (Eckl-Dorna et al., 2019). This process results in the production of allergen-specific IgE antibodies, which sensitize mast cells and basophils, leading to allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms upon re-exposure (Akdis & Akdis, 2014). In clinical practice, these receptors are the functional targets of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which utilizes standardized Parietaria pollen extracts to modify the immune response (PMID: 9600495). AIT aims to induce a state of peripheral tolerance, characterized by the production of protective IgG4 antibodies and the suppression of the Th2-driven allergic response. Monitoring the activity and frequency of these specific B cells serves as a valuable tool for assessing the efficacy of desensitization treatments in patients with Parietaria allergy.

Other names

Parietaria-specific surface immunoglobulinPar j-specific B-cell receptorPellitory-specific B-cell receptorParietaria-specific sIg

Induction of immune tolerance and desensitization through repeated allergen exposure (Allergen-specific immunotherapy)