Mite allergens

Abstract

There is an increasing awareness of the health implications of mite sensitivity, as it is closely related to asthma. Mite allergy constitutes a complex worldwide problem, with sanitary and economical implications. Not only are mite species present in house dust, producing potent allergens, but other, less studied species are also responsible for significant allergic reactions in occupational settings. In this review, we focus on the growing number of mite species that are implicated in allergic cutaneous and respiratory diseases in humans. Mite allergy is not restricted only to the human "indoor" environment, because numerous reports clearly demonstrate that many species that can induce sensitization and symptoms are encountered in occupational settings. An important component of allergy research is the evaluation of the allergenic cross-reactivity to verify to what extent different mite species have unique, species-specific, or cross-reactive allergens. The results of these investigations have important clinical consequences for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. Internationally standardized mite extracts are needed to compare sensitization rates around the world and clearly establish risk factors associated with sensitization and asthma. In spite of recent controversial results, a significant reduction in the exposure to mite allergens continues to be an important challenge and one of the main goals in the treatment of mite-induced respiratory symptoms. In many cases, this reduction must be achieved in the workplace as well as in the home environment.

The Crystal Structure of Recombinant proDer p 1, a Major House Dust Mite Proteolytic Allergen

“…Although not completely conserved, the ERFNIN subfamily contains the E 38p X 3 RX 2 (IV)FX 2 NX 3 IX 3 N 57p motif separated by a stretch of variable length from another conserved block of amino acids containing residues F70p, D72p, and E77p (1PCI numbering 4 ). The proteins in this family typically have pro-peptides of ϳ100 aa.…”

“…Several species of house dust mites have been identified contributing to the environmental exposure of human beings (4). The most prevalent species belong to the genus Dermatophagoides (i.e., D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae).…”

Allergenicity Profile of Fifteen Aqueous Allergen Extracts to Selected Allergic Individuals from Pampanga, Philippines

“…The presence of intact high molecular weight bands and discrete low molecular weight protein bands indicate a good quality of the allergen extract preparation with minimal degradation. It is important to note that the full-length proteins including the allergen components of the allergen extracts are necessary for the optimum interaction of serum IgEs to their allergen epitopes [5,6,7,8,9]. Total serum IgE (expressed in IU/mL) was used to assess the allergic conditions of the subjects used in the study.…”

Mite and cockroach sensitisation in patients with allergic rhinitis in the Free State

“…18 B. tropicalis was the storage mite with the highest rate of sensitisation on skin-prick testing, while A. siro had the highest sensitisation rate on ImmunoCAP RAST testing. It is possible that sensitisation to B. tropicalis also occurred while patients were at the coast, as B. tropicalis is a common mite in homes in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, 17 although there was no significant difference in the rate of sensitisation to B. tropicalis between patients who had previously lived at the coast and those who had not. Studies on the mite flora present in homes in the Free State would show whether exposure to this mite occurs in patients' homes.…”

“…17 The preferred habitat of these mites is stored food. 17 Although storage mites have been shown to be important allergens, both in farmers and in urban populations, [17][18][19][20] this was not the case in our patients. This may also be due to the low humidity.…”