Ashe juniper, often called mountain cedar, is a major source of winter allergies in parts of the southern U.S., especially in Texas. The peak pollen release for Ashe juniper trees occurs in mid-January. Jun a 1 and Jun a 3 are two proteins in its pollen that can trigger allergic reactions known as "cedar fever", with symptoms mimicking a cold or the flu. These models help visualize their structures, which may help explain how they interact with the immune system and why some people experience intense symptoms during cedar pollen season. On the Jun a 1 molecule specifically, four epitopes have been identified where IgE antibodies bind to its surface, potentially serving as targets for immunotherapy.

Molecule Name(s): Jun a 1 & Jun a 3

Source: Ashe Juniper tree (Juniperus ashei)

Associated Allergies: Seasonal allergies, hay fever

References: PDB entries 1PXZ & 7P20

Teal: Jun a 3 (PDB 7P20)

Light Purple: Jun a 1 (PDB 1PXZ)

Pink epitope: Jun a 1 res 71-84

Blue epitope: Jun a 1 res 218-230

Green epitope: Jun a 1 res 231-237

Orange epitope: Jun a 1 res 296-308