Short Ragweed Pollen Antigen E (Amb a 1)

Antigen E, also known as Amb a 1, is the principal allergenic protein found in the pollen of short ragweed (*Ambrosia artemisiifolia*). It is a pectate lyase enzyme that degrades pectin in plant cell walls. It is recognized as the most important allergen responsible for triggering allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to ragweed pollen. Antigen E is used to standardize ragweed pollen extracts for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It induces histamine release from leukocytes of sensitized individuals and serves as the primary marker for standardizing commercial short ragweed extracts used in allergy diagnosis and immunotherapy. Allergen-specific immunotherapy targeting antigen E leads to the induction of "blocking" anti-ragweed IgG antibodies and a reduction or stabilization of specific IgE levels during/after treatment.

Other names

Antigen EAmbrosia artemisiifolia Antigen E

Binds IgE on mast cells, leading to degranulation and histamine release.