Purpose of review: Mites are the most worldwide spread allergens and relevant causative of respiratory allergies. Life cycle, component allergens, biological activity and immunogenicity are discussed in depth.
Recent findings: It is now known that mite allergens are able to stimulate the innate immune system through different receptors, for example, TLRs and PARs. The activation of the cells in the airway mucosa is followed by type 2 polarizing cytokine production in predisposed individuals. This complex network plays a pivotal role into the promotion of Th2 differentiation.
Summary: This is a comprehensive review regarding all the mite allergens known so far, including their location within dust mites, composition, biological activities and binding receptors relevant to the fate of the immunological response.