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Role of Small Molecule Ligands in IgE-Mediated Allergy

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

A significant fraction of allergens bind small molecular ligands, and many of these compounds are classified as lipids. However, in most cases, we do not know the role that is played by the ligands in the allergic sensitization or allergic effector phases.

Recent Findings

More effort is dedicated toward identification of allergens’ ligands. This resulted in identification of some lipidic compounds that can play active immunomodulatory roles or impact allergens’ molecular and allergic properties.

Summary

Four allergen families (lipocalins, NPC2, nsLTP, and PR-10) are among the best characterized in terms of their ligand-binding properties. Allergens from these four families are able to bind many chemically diverse molecules. These molecules can directly interact with human immune system and/or affect conformation and stability of allergens. While there is more data on the allergens and their small molecular ligands, we are just starting to understand their role in allergy.

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Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number 5R01AI077653-12 (to MC). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

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  1. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, 603 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA

    Kriti Khatri, Andrea O’Malley, Christina Linn & Maksymilian Chruszcz

  2. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA

    Kriti Khatri & Andrea O’Malley

  3. Department of Experimental Allergology and Immunology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland

    Krzysztof Kowal

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Dr. Kowal reports personal fees from ALK Abello, personal fees from Astra Zeneca, personal fees from Aurovitas Pharma Polska, personal fees from Berlin Chemie, personal fees from Boehringer Ingelheim, personal fees from EMMA MDT, personal fees from HAL Allergy, personal fees from Stallergenes, outside of the submitted work. Other declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Khatri, K., O’Malley, A., Linn, C. et al. Role of Small Molecule Ligands in IgE-Mediated Allergy. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 23, 497–508 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-023-01100-2

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