Dog allergy: can a prevalent or exclusive sensitization to Can f 5 be considered a lucky or negative event in “real life”?
Show more: Authors information and Publication history
Authors Information
1 Department of Pulmonology, Haematology and Oncology, Division of Pulmonology and Aller-gology, High Speciality A. Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy
2 Postgraduate School of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
3 Department of Experimental Medicine, Unit of Respiratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
History
:
Published online: 30 November 2017
Accepted: 7 November 2017
Received: 19 September 2017
SUMMARY
Recent studies have shown the increasing relevance of allergic sensitization to Can f 5 (a pros-tatic kallikrein), which is an androgen-regulated protein expressed in the prostate and detectable only in male dogs. Can f 5 can be a prevalent or exclusive sensitizing agent in a considerable percentage of dog-allergic patients. Its specific allergenic characteristics are able to induce possible “negative” as well as “positive” clinical effects in individuals sensitized to dogs. In the present article we pointed out the possible pros or cons of sensitization to this allergen in “real life”.
Further studies should be carried out to correctly assess some peculiar characteristics of Can f 5, in order to support the most of “positive” aspects and remedy at best the “negative” effects.
KEY WORDS
allergic rhinitis; allergic sensitization; bronchial asthma; Can f 5; dog; dog allergy; hypersensitivity
