Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the 2018 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of our report dated March 15, 2018, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

August 9, 2018