Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
10:22
Humanized Mediator Release Assay as a Read-Out for Allergen Potency
Published on: June 29, 2021
Transient dimers of allergens.
Juha Rouvinen1, Janne Jänis, Marja-Leena Laukkanen
1Department of Chemistry, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland. juha.rouvinen@uef.fi
Plos One
|February 9, 2010
Summary
Allergens often exist as dimers, enhancing their allergenicity by facilitating cross-linking of antibodies. Creating monomeric allergen variants may offer new avenues for allergy immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Structural Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Type I allergy involves IgE antibody cross-linking on mast cells via FcepsilonRI receptors.
- Homodimeric allergens exhibit enhanced allergenicity due to simplified antibody binding for cross-linking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and significance of allergen dimerization in allergic reactions.
- To explore the potential of monomeric allergen variants for therapeutic applications.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 55 crystal structures of allergens to determine oligomeric states.
- Native mass spectrometry to assess allergen dimerization in solution.
- Creation and functional testing of a monomeric Bos d 5 allergen variant.
Main Results:
- 80% of analyzed allergens crystallize as dimers or oligomers.
- Allergens form transient dimers in solution at high concentrations, unlike hypoallergenic monomeric variants.
- A monomeric Bos d 5 variant demonstrated reduced histamine release.
Conclusions:
- Dimerization appears to be a common and crucial characteristic of allergens.
- Developing purely monomeric allergen forms presents a promising strategy for specific immunotherapy.
Related Concept Videos
02:06Allergic Reactions
Overview
01:26Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
00:42Cross-reactivity
Overview
01:30Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
01:29Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions
Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH), or Type IV hypersensitivity, is a cell-mediated immune response. It occurs when T cells, rather than antibodies, mediate a reaction to specific antigens. It is characterized by a delayed onset (1-2 days) and involves the recruitment of macrophages to the inflammation site.The initiation of a DTH response begins with the sensitization of T cells. During this phase, which lasts at least 1-2 weeks, antigen-specific T cells are activated, clonally expanded, and...
01:30Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...