Role of Cockroach Proteases in Allergic Disease

Abstract

Allergic asthma is on the rise in developed countries, and cockroach exposure is a major risk factor for the development of asthma. In recent years, a number of studies have investigated the importance of allergen-associated proteases in modulating allergic airway inflammation. Many of the studies have suggested the importance of allergen-associated proteases as having a direct role on airway epithelial cells and dendritic cells. In most cases, activation of the protease activated receptor (PAR)-2 has been implicated as a mechanism behind the potent allergenicity associated with cockroaches. In this review, we focus on recent evidence linking cockroach proteases to activation of a variety of cells important in allergic airway inflammation and the role of PAR-2 in this process. We will highlight recent data exploring the potential mechanisms involved in the biological effects of the allergen.

Proteases in agricultural dust induce lung inflammation through PAR-1 and PAR-2 activation

“…#P Ͻ 0.05 vs. complete 5% HDE. 12,23,30,38). In light of the identification of protease activity in a variety of environmental allergens and irritants, it is not surprising that CAFO dust extract was found to contain potentially harmful proteolytic activity as well.…”

“…Although fungal and bacterial cell wall components of agricultural dusts contribute to the inflammatory responses, these components do not entirely account for the inflammatory effects observed (27). Many common environmental irritants and aeroallergens, such as extracts from house dust mites, cockroaches, and numerous fungal species, have been reported to exhibit protease activity (2,23,30,31), which is implicated in bronchial inflammation, likely due in part to the release of inflammatory cytokines from BECs (5,8). Although proteases can exert their effects on cell function in several ways, specific G protein-coupled receptors, termed protease-activated receptors (PARs), have been identified, and these have been shown to mediate many of the physiological responses of cells to proteases (14,31).…”

What makes an allergen?

“…Binding of proteases to the protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2 (see PAR-2 in Fig. 2), likewise expressed on human bronchial EC or murine P815 mastocytoma cells, and subsequent disruption of the epithelial barrier function have been shown to promote the translocation of cockroach allergens and elicits allergic diseases [55]. So far, four PARs have been identified, to be expressed on virtually all cells involved in the allergic response.…”

Cockroach Allergy and Its Immunotherapy

“…Alman ve Amerikan hamamböceği (Per a 10) allerjenleri serin proteaz da içermektedir. Fakat bunların proteolitik (aktif) olup olmadığı halen tartışmalıdır (16). Aşağıda anlatılan ve proteaz reseptörleri (PAR-2) üzerinden gerçekleşerek sonuçta havayolunda allerjik enflamasyona yol açan etkiler Şekil 2'de kısaca gösterilmiştir.…”