Role of Allergen Source-Derived Proteases in Sensitization via Airway Epithelial Cells

Abstract EN

Protease activity is a characteristic common to many allergens.

Allergen source-derived proteases interact with lung epithelial cells, which are now thought to play vital roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses.

Allergen source-derived proteases act on airway epithelial cells to induce disruption of the tight junctions between epithelial cells, activation of protease-activated receptor-2, and the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin.

These facilitate allergen delivery across epithelial layers and enhance allergenicity or directly activate the immune system through a nonallergic mechanism.

Furthermore, they cleave regulatory cell surface molecules involved in allergic reactions.

Thus, allergen source-derived proteases are a potentially critical factor in the development of allergic sensitization and appear to be strongly associated with heightened allergenicity.