Allergy to House Dust Mites and Asthma

House Dust mites are the most frequently encountered aeroallergens. Their role in sensitizing asthmatic patients was first reported in 1921, and the association of house dust mite allergy, asthma, and perennial rhinitis has been repeatedly corroborated. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and numerous scientific studies have shown that the prevalence of asthma is increasing. The most common dust mite species around the world include Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp), Dermatophagoides farinae (Df), Euroglyphus maynei (Em) and Blomia tropicalis (Bt). Over the past three decades, many important allergens from these species have been identified and characterized at the molecular level. The biological function of several house dust mite allergens has been elucidated, with many of them showing enzymatic activity. Mite allergens remain one of the most studied, since house dust mites are very common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Therefore, it is very important to include mite antigens in routine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for allergy and asthma, particularly in areas where mite exposure and sensitization are high. Recombinant DNA technology, as well as other molecular biology and immunological techniques, have played a fundamental role in advances towards a better understanding of the biology of house dust mites and their role in allergic diseases. This kind of study also contributes to the understanding of the complex immunologic mechanisms involved in allergic reactions. The development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches depends on the continuity of research of house dust mite allergens. The objectives of this review are to describe the most important aspects of house dust mite allergy and to acquaint the scientific community with the latest findings pertaining to house dust mite allergens.