Pollen allergens are a significant cause of respiratory allergies, affecting millions of people worldwide. Among these, the pollen from Timothy grass (Phleum pratense) is a major contributor. One of the key allergens in Timothy grass pollen is Phl p 2. This article delves into the background of the recombinant form of this allergen, known as Phl p 2 recombinant.
Phl p 2 is a major respiratory pollen allergen present in Timothy grass. It belongs to a large family of cross-reacting grass pollen allergens classified as grass allergens group 2/3 . This allergen is recognized by the immune systems of many individuals suffering from grass pollen allergies, leading to allergic reactions such as rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma.
The advent of recombinant DNA technology has revolutionized the study and treatment of allergies. Recombinant allergens are produced by cloning the DNA sequences encoding the allergenic proteins and expressing them in suitable host systems, such as bacteria or yeast. This technology allows for the production of highly pure and well-characterized allergenic proteins, which are essential for accurate diagnosis and effective immunotherapy .
Recombinant Phl p 2 is produced by cloning the gene encoding the Phl p 2 protein and expressing it in a host system. This recombinant form retains the immunological properties of the natural allergen, making it a valuable tool for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The use of recombinant Phl p 2 in immunotherapy has shown promising results in reducing allergic symptoms in sensitized individuals .
Recombinant Phl p 2 is widely used in molecular-based allergy diagnosis. Techniques such as protein microarrays or suspension arrays utilize recombinant allergens to identify specific IgE antibodies in patients’ sera. This precise identification helps in tailoring personalized immunotherapy treatments .
In immunotherapy, recombinant Phl p 2 is used to desensitize allergic individuals. By gradually exposing patients to increasing doses of the allergen, the immune system is trained to tolerate it, thereby reducing allergic reactions. Studies have shown significant increases in specific IgG4 levels to recombinant Phl p 2 after immunotherapy, indicating a successful immune response .