Six-grass pollen allergen extract

Six-grass pollen allergens refer to a standardized mixture of allergenic proteins derived from the pollen of six specific grass species: Dactylis glomerata (Orchard grass), Festuca pratensis (Meadow fescue), Holcus lanatus (Velvet grass), Lolium perenne (Perennial ryegrass), Phleum pratense (Timothy grass), and Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass). These allergens are major environmental triggers for Type I hypersensitivity reactions, such as seasonal allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma, by cross-linking IgE antibodies on the surface of mast cells and basophils. In a therapeutic context, these allergens are utilized as the active components in allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), most notably in the product Allergovit, to desensitize patients and induce long-term immune tolerance. The therapeutic mechanism involves modulating the immune system to favor regulatory T-cell activity and the production of protective IgG4 antibodies, which block the interaction between the allergens and IgE. Despite their therapeutic utility, administration of these allergens carries a significant risk of adverse allergic reactions, ranging from local swelling to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Other names

6-grass pollen extractAllergovitSix-grass allergoidGrass pollen allergens (6-grass)

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) induces immune tolerance by shifting the immune response from a Th2-mediated allergic profile to a Th1 and regulatory T-cell (Treg) profile. This process increases the production of allergen-specific IgG4 blocking antibodies, which compete with IgE for allergen binding, thereby preventing the activation of mast cells and basophils. Omalizumab acts by binding to free IgE, preventing it from interacting with the allergens and their receptors.