Short ragweed pollen allergens (Amb a 1 and related allergens) (Amb a 1)

Amb a 1 is the primary major allergen found in the pollen of short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), a significant cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma [1, 8]. Biologically, it is a 38 kDa non-glycosylated protein belonging to the pectate lyase family, which functions in pectin degradation and is essential for pollen tube growth [4, 14]. In the context of human health, Amb a 1 is responsible for over 90% of the IgE-mediated sensitization in ragweed-allergic individuals, triggering type I hypersensitivity reactions upon inhalation [2, 15]. It serves as the principal active component in allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) products, such as sublingual tablets and subcutaneous injections, which aim to desensitize the immune system and induce long-term tolerance [3, 12]. Related allergens include Amb a 2, another pectate lyase, and Amb a 11, a cysteine protease, which also contribute to the overall allergenicity of ragweed pollen [12, 16]. Therapeutic strategies focus on modulating the immune response by shifting from a Th2-dominated allergic profile to a Treg/Th1-mediated tolerant state, often monitored through biomarkers like allergen-specific IgG4 and IgE levels [3, 17].

Other names

Antigen EAgEAntigen Amb a IPectate lyase 1Pollen allergen Amb a 1.2Protein AaBAAmb a 2Amb a 11

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) induces immune tolerance by promoting the production of allergen-specific IgG4 blocking antibodies, shifting the T-cell response from a Th2 to a Th1/Treg profile, and reducing IgE-mediated mast cell and basophil activation [3, 12].