page_title: Fel d 1
hierarchical_section_title: Fel d 1
caption_attribution_description: English: I made this rendering myself, using the PDB structure 1PUO.
context_page_description: Fel d 1 is a secretoglobin protein that in cats is encoded by the CH1 and CH2 genes.
  Fel d 1, produced largely in cat saliva and sebaceous glands, is the primary allergen present on cats and kittens. Fel d 1 is also produced by cat skin itself. The protein is of an unknown function to the animal but causes an IgG or IgE reaction in sensitive humans. Kittens produce less Fel d 1 than adult cats. Female cats produce a lower level of Fel d 1 than males, while neutered males produce levels similar to those of females; both intact and spayed females produce similar levels.
  Even though females and neutered males produce Fel d 1 in lower levels, they still produce enough to cause allergic symptoms in sensitive individuals. Removal of soft surfaces in the home, frequent washings of bed linens, HEPA filters and even washing cats has been proven to reduce the amounts of Fel d 1 present in the home.
  Researchers have been investigating reports from cat owners that certain breeds of cats either do not produce Fel d 1 or do so at significantly lower levels than other breeds.
context_section_description: Fel d 1 is a secretoglobin protein that in cats is encoded by the CH1 (chain 1/Fel d 1-A) and CH2 (chain 2/Fel d 1-B) genes.
  Fel d 1, produced largely in cat saliva and sebaceous glands, is the primary allergen present on cats and kittens. Fel d 1 is also produced by cat skin itself. The protein is of an unknown function to the animal but causes an IgG or IgE reaction in sensitive humans (either as an allergic or asthmatic response). Kittens produce less Fel d 1 than adult cats. Female cats produce a lower level of Fel d 1 than (unneutered) males, while neutered males produce levels similar to those of females; both intact and spayed females produce similar levels.
  Even though females and neutered males produce Fel d 1 in lower levels, they still produce enough to cause allergic symptoms in sensitive individuals. Removal of soft surfaces in the home (carpet, furniture), frequent washings of bed linens, HEPA filters and even washing cats has been proven to reduce the amounts of Fel d 1 present in the home.
  Researchers have been investigating reports from cat owners that certain breeds of cats either do not produce Fel d 1 or do so at significantly lower levels than other breeds. For instance, individual cats from the naturally occurring Siberian breed native to the Siberian region for which the breed is named have been shown to have genetic variants that result in a lower production of Fel d 1. Another breed thought to have a possible genetic disposition not to produce this allergen or to produce less is the Balinese, an offshoot of the Siamese breed. Several other breeds are widely referenced as causing a diminished immune reaction in cat allergy sufferers, including Sphynx, Russian Blue, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Siamese, Javanese, Oriental shorthair, Burmese and Laperm. Fairly reliable tests for individual cats’ Fel d 1 are available but research continues, hampered by the lack of a thoroughly accessible and surefire genetic test for the antigen’s production.
caption: Crystallographic structure of the Fel d 1 dimer, the primary allergen present in cat saliva.[1]
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