Populus alba pollen allergen Pop a 1 (Pop a 1)

Populus alba pollen allergen Pop a 1 is the primary allergenic protein identified in the pollen of the white poplar tree. It belongs to the pathogenesis-related protein family 10 (PR-10), which is characterized by a conserved fold capable of binding various hydrophobic ligands (WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature, 2023). In sensitized individuals, this allergen is captured by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells, through receptor-mediated endocytosis or fluid-phase pinocytosis (Bohle, 2007). Following uptake, the allergen is proteolytically processed into peptides and presented on MHC class II molecules to CD4+ T cells, driving a Th2-polarized immune response. This cascade results in the production of allergen-specific IgE antibodies, leading to clinical conditions such as seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma upon re-exposure (D'Amato et al., 2007). While not a traditional therapeutic target, Pop a 1 is the active component in allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), which aims to induce immunological tolerance. AIT modifies the immune response by promoting regulatory T cell activity and shifting the cytokine profile away from an allergic state (Bousquet et al., 1998). Understanding the interaction between Pop a 1 and APCs is critical for the development of targeted desensitization strategies.

Other names

Pop a 1White poplar allergenPR-10 protein Pop a 1Populus alba major pollen allergen

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) induces immune tolerance by promoting regulatory T cell (Treg) activity and shifting the immune response from Th2 to Th1 (Bousquet et al., 1998).