Short ragweed pollen allergens (Amb a group) (Amb a allergens)

The 'Other Amb a group ragweed allergens' refers to the diverse set of allergenic proteins found in the pollen of short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), excluding or supplementing the primary major allergen Amb a 1. This group includes proteins such as Amb a 2 (pectate lyase), Amb a 4 (defensin-like), Amb a 8 (profilin), and Amb a 11 (cysteine protease), which collectively contribute to the total allergenic potency of ragweed pollen [1][2]. Biologically, these proteins function within the plant as enzymes for cell wall degradation, structural components, or signaling molecules, but in humans, they act as potent antigens that trigger Type I hypersensitivity reactions [3]. Upon inhalation, these allergens cross-link specific IgE antibodies on the surface of mast cells and basophils, leading to the degranulation and release of inflammatory mediators like histamine and leukotrienes [4]. Therapeutic management of ragweed allergy often utilizes standardized allergen extracts containing these proteins to induce long-term immune tolerance through allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), effectively reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma [5]. [1] WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee (allergen.org). [2] Gadermaier, G., et al. (2008). 'Ragweed pollen allergens: Amb a 1 to Amb a 10.' International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. [3] UniProt Consortium. 'Pollen allergen Amb a.' (uniprot.org). [4] Bousquet, J., et al. (2020). 'Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) Phase 4.' Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. [5] Creticos, P. S., et al. (2014). 'Ragweed sublingual immunotherapy.' Expert Review of Clinical Immunology.

Other names

Ambrosia artemisiifolia allergensRagweed pollen allergensAmb a 2Amb a 3Amb a 4Amb a 5Amb a 6Amb a 8Amb a 9Amb a 10Amb a 11Minor ragweed allergens

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) involves the repeated administration of specific allergens to induce immunological tolerance. This process shifts the immune response from a Th2-dominated allergic profile to a Th1 or regulatory T-cell (Treg) profile, increases the production of allergen-specific IgG4 blocking antibodies, and reduces the activation and recruitment of mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils in target tissues.