Short ragweed allergen Amb a 10 (Amb a 10)

Amb a 10 is a calcium-binding protein found in the pollen of Ambrosia artemisiifolia (short ragweed) and is classified within the polcalcin family. It features four EF-hand motifs and is physiologically involved in calcium-mediated signaling processes essential for pollen germination and pollen tube development [1, 2]. In clinical immunology, Amb a 10 is recognized as a pan-allergen capable of triggering Type I hypersensitivity reactions, which manifest as seasonal allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma [3, 4]. Due to its highly conserved structural features, Amb a 10 is a significant mediator of cross-reactivity among various pollen sources, including other weeds, grasses, and trees [3, 13]. Sensitization to this protein is often used as a diagnostic marker in component-resolved diagnostics (CRD) to identify patients with complex sensitization profiles or those at higher risk for severe respiratory symptoms [4, 7]. From a therapeutic standpoint, Amb a 10 is a component of standardized ragweed allergen extracts and sublingual tablets used in allergen immunotherapy (AIT) to induce long-term immunological tolerance [6, 12].

Other names

Ragweed polcalcinAmbrosia artemisiifolia allergen 104-EF-hand calcium-binding proteinCBP