Biological Source
Natural allergens are substances originating from various biological sources that can cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. These allergens can be found in plants, animals, foods, and environmental sources. Some common sources include:
1. Pollen:
– Plants: Trees (e.g., birch, oak), grasses (e.g., ryegrass, Bermuda grass), and weeds (e.g., ragweed).
– Family Examples: Betulaceae (birch), Poaceae (grasses), Asteraceae (weeds).
2. Animal Dander:
– Animals: Cats, dogs, rodents, and other domesticated animals.
– Family Examples: Felidae (cats), Canidae (dogs), Muridae (rodents).
3. Dust Mites:
– Species: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae.
– Family: Pyroglyphidae.
4. Foods:
– Common Allergens: Peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, shellfish, wheat, soy, and fish.
– Family Examples: Fabaceae (peanuts, soy), Anacardiaceae (tree nuts).
5. Insect Stings:
– Insects: Bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants.
– Family Examples: Apidae (bees), Vespidae (wasps, hornets).
6. Molds:
– Species: Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Alternaria.
– Family Examples: Trichocomaceae (Aspergillus, Penicillium).
 Chemical Nature
Natural allergens are typically proteins or glycoproteins that trigger immune responses. Their chemical structures and properties vary widely depending on their source.
Key Allergenic Proteins:
1. Pollen Allergens:
– Example: Bet v 1 (from birch pollen)
– Chemical Structure: Glycoprotein
– Molecular Formula: Variable depending on the specific protein.
2. Animal Dander Allergens:
– Example: Fel d 1 (from cat dander)
– Chemical Structure: Glycoprotein
– Molecular Formula: Variable depending on the specific protein.
3. Dust Mite Allergens:
– Example: Der p 1 (from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus)
– Chemical Structure: Cysteine protease enzyme
– Molecular Formula: Variable depending on the specific protein.
4. Food Allergens:
– Example: Ara h 1 (from peanuts)
– Chemical Structure: Vicilin (seed storage protein)
– Molecular Formula: Variable depending on the specific protein.
5. Insect Venom Allergens:
– Example: Phospholipase A2 (from bee venom)
– Chemical Structure: Enzyme
– Molecular Formula: Variable depending on the specific protein.
6. Mold Allergens:
– Example: Asp f 1 (from Aspergillus fumigatus)
– Chemical Structure: Glycoprotein
– Molecular Formula: Variable depending on the specific protein.
 Uses
While allergens themselves are typically avoided due to their potential to cause adverse reactions, understanding their properties and mechanisms is crucial for several reasons:
1. Diagnostic Tools:
– Allergy Testing: Identifying specific allergens through skin prick tests, blood tests (e.g., specific IgE tests), and other diagnostic methods.
– Molecular Diagnostics: Using purified allergenic proteins to diagnose sensitivities to specific allergens.
2. Therapeutic Approaches:
– Immunotherapy: Developing desensitization protocols such as allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) or sublingual immunotherapy to reduce allergic reactions over time.
– Monoclonal Antibodies: Utilizing biologic treatments (e.g., omalizumab) to inhibit IgE-mediated allergic responses.
3. Public Health and Safety:
– Environmental Control: Implementing measures to reduce exposure to allergens in homes, schools, and workplaces (e.g., using HEPA filters, controlling dust mites).
– Labeling Regulations: Ensuring proper labeling of food products to inform consumers about potential allergens.
4. Research and Development:
– Allergen Characterization: Studying the biochemical and structural properties of allergens to understand their mechanisms of action and to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
– Vaccine Development: Exploring the potential of allergen-derived peptides or recombinant proteins in developing vaccines for allergy prevention.
5. Education and Awareness:
– Patient Education: Providing information and resources to individuals with allergies to help them manage their condition effectively.
– Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about allergies and their triggers to reduce the incidence and impact of allergic reactions.
In summary, natural allergens are substances originating from various biological sources that can cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Their chemical nature as proteins or glycoproteins enables them to trigger immune responses. Understanding these allergens is essential for diagnosing allergies, developing therapeutic approaches, ensuring public health and safety, advancing research, and raising awareness.
