Pectate lyase Cry j 2 (Cry j 2)

Pectate lyase Cry j 2 is a 45 kDa protein and one of the two primary major allergens found in the pollen of the Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), which is the most significant cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis in Japan (UniProt: P19963). Biologically, the protein belongs to the polysaccharide lyase family 1 and functions as a pectate lyase, an enzyme that degrades pectin in the plant cell wall to facilitate pollen tube elongation during fertilization (PubMed: 22133374). In the human immune system, Cry j 2 serves as a potent trigger for Type I hypersensitivity reactions, where it cross-links allergen-specific IgE bound to FcεRI receptors on mast cells and basophils, leading to degranulation and the release of inflammatory mediators (WHO/IUIS). From a therapeutic perspective, Cry j 2 is a key target for allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), including sublingual (SLIT) and subcutaneous (SCIT) formulations like Cedartolen and Cedarcura, which aim to induce clinical tolerance by modulating the T-cell response (PubMed: 30129994). Clinical management involving this target relies on the measurement of Cry j 2-specific IgE for diagnosis and IgG4 as a biomarker for successful desensitization (PubMed: 25482324).

Other names

Major pollen allergen Cry j 2Cryptomeria japonica allergen 2Pectate lyase

Induction of immune tolerance via allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), characterized by a shift from Th2 to Th1 immune responses, the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs), and the production of allergen-specific blocking IgG4 antibodies (PubMed: 30129994).