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Why does the body deem some foods safe and others unsafe?

Researchers have identified three new proteins, called epitopes, that help the body determine 'safe' foods, aiding in food tolerance and allergy understanding. The epitopes were found in seed proteins from corn, wheat, and soybean, and interact with regulatory T cells to inform tolerance-or-rejection decisions.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 6, 2026

Cockroach infestation linked to home allergen, endotoxin levels

Researchers at North Carolina State University found a strong link between cockroach infestations and high levels of allergens and endotoxins in homes. Eliminating cockroaches significantly reduced these health risks, with most infested homes without extermination showing large amounts of both allergens and endotoxins.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Global·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2025

Researchers find intestinal immune cell prevents food allergies

A recent study published in Cell revealed that a specific intestinal immune cell prevents food allergies by breaking the threshold between friend and foe in the gut. Researchers at WashU Medicine identified this cell as RORγt+ dendritic cells, which maintain tolerance to harmless food allergens, preventing allergic reactions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2025

Omalizumab treats multi-food allergy better than oral immunotherapy

Researchers found that omalizumab significantly improved treatment outcomes for multi-food allergy patients compared to oral immunotherapy. A total of 36% of omalizumab recipients could tolerate at least 2 grams of multiple food allergens, while only 19% of oral immunotherapy participants achieved this threshold.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 2, 2025

Stopping asthma in its tracks

Researchers have developed two therapeutic cocktails that inhibit key molecules, stopping immune cells from overreacting to allergens. The treatments reduced asthma attacks in mice by erasing the immune system's memory of asthma-causing allergens.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Yeast as food emulsifier? Easily released protein as strong as casein

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered yeast cell wall-derived proteins that exhibit high emulsifying activity, comparable to commercial casein emulsifier. These easily released protein molecules could potentially replace emulsifiers derived from milk, eggs, and soybeans, reducing allergenic concerns.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalFood Hydrocolloids·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2024

Food allergy anxiety at 30,000 feet

A global survey of over 4,700 food allergy patients and families found airline travel to be a significant source of worry and anxiety. The study suggests that reasonable accommodations, such as pre-boarding and allergen-free zones, can reduce stress for travelers with food allergies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Allergy·DateDec 5, 2024

CAMP 2.0 helps patients with contact dermatitis identify personal care products free of their allergens

The new CAMP 2.0 tool provides personalized medicine for managing allergic contact dermatitis by generating safe lists based on individual patch testing results. It offers thousands of product options and interactive tools to help patients find safe products, track their quality of life, and understand their allergens.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDermatitis·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 12, 2024

Study shows rates of sensitization in Chicago to outdoor allergens increased post-COVID

A recent study in Chicago reveals a significant increase in sensitization to pollens and molds among patients with nasal allergies. The researchers found that tree pollen, weed pollen, grass pollen, and mold sensitizations all increased post-COVID compared to pre-COVID.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2024

Need for psychology referrals increasing for children with food allergies

A study found that anxiety related to food allergies increased significantly in children, leading to an average of 2.1 allergens per patient and a 69% incidence of food-related anxiety. Psychology referrals for these patients increased by 50% over four years, with 60% completing at least one appointment.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 24, 2024

New test improves diagnosis of allergies

A new test mimics allergic reactions in a test tube, showing higher diagnostic accuracy than standard tests for peanut allergy and potentially other allergies. The Hoxb8 Mast Cell Activation Test (Hoxb8 MAT) has been shown to have an exceptionally high diagnostic accuracy of 95% and leads to fewer false negative results.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalAllergy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 15, 2024

Can adrenaline auto-injectors prevent fatal anaphylaxis?

A recent review published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy suggests that intravenous adrenaline infusions can prevent fatal anaphylaxis, but adrenaline autoinjectors may have little impact in such deadly cases. Fatal anaphylaxis is rare, with a population incidence of 0.03–0.51 per million per year.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical & Experimental Allergy·DateOct 9, 2024

Study elucidates role of “G900” gene enhancers in asthma-associated inflammation

Researchers found that mice lacking the G900 region exhibit reduced inflammatory response and suppressed Th2 differentiation when exposed to allergens. This discovery highlights the importance of the G900 gene enhancer in regulating immune responses and has implications for personalized treatments and asthma care.

SourceChiba University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024

Gut bacteria important for overcoming milk allergy

Researchers at RIKEN found that gut bacteria, particularly Bifidobacterium, are associated with higher chances of successful milk-allergy treatment. However, only 7 out of 28 children who underwent oral immunotherapy passed the food challenge after a two-week milk avoidance period.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAllergology International·DateMar 14, 2024

A safer treatment path for high-risk children to overcome food allergies

A new study from the University of British Columbia has found that sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is safe and effective for older children with multiple food allergies, who cannot risk consuming allergens orally. The treatment involves placing smaller amounts of food allergens under the tongue, allowing patients to build up their resi...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024

New clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for immunotherapy for inhalant allergy

The American Academy of Otolaryngology has released a new clinical practice guideline supporting clinicians with evidence-based recommendations on immunotherapy for inhalant allergies. The guideline provides 12 key action statements to guide treatment, aiming to optimize patient care and reduce unnecessary variation in management.

Antibody reduces allergic reactions to multiple foods in NIH trial

A monoclonal antibody, omalizumab, increased the tolerance threshold for multiple food allergens, allowing children to consume larger amounts without a reaction. The treatment showed significant benefits in reducing allergic reactions, particularly for peanut and egg, with potential protection against accidental exposure.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2024

Allergic reactions prevented with decorated nanoparticles

Scientists have created a new therapy using nanoparticles to target specific immune cells responsible for allergic responses. The approach, which combines an allergen with antibodies that selectively inhibit mast cells, has shown promising results in a mouse study, preventing allergic reactions without causing side effects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

New study sheds light on the developmental mechanism of allergic conjunctivitis

Researchers from Juntendo University discovered that pollen shells trigger the rapid formation of goblet cell-associated antigen passages, which enable swift allergen transport to the conjunctiva. The study highlights the complex interplay between sensory nerves and the immune response in allergic conjunctivitis.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

Allergy study on 'wild' mice challenges the hygiene hypothesis

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet challenge the hygiene hypothesis by showing that mice with high infectious exposures have a similar ability to develop allergic immune responses as laboratory mice. Despite this, they developed strong signs of pathological inflammation and allergic responses when exposed to allergens.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2023

How the immune system can alter our behavior

Researchers at Yale University have discovered that the immune system plays a crucial role in changing behavior in response to allergens and toxins. By manipulating immune system variables, scientists were able to alter the behavior of sensitized mice, demonstrating the importance of immune recognition in controlling defensive behaviors.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2023

Blocking immune system 'messenger' may treat severe asthma

Researchers found that blocking histamine-releasing factor (HRF) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) interactions may provide relief for patients with severe asthma. The study, published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, suggests two potential therapies, including HRF-2CA and a therapeutic antibody called SPF7-1.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023

NIR spectroscopy provides easy, cost-effective method for food allergen testing

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new method using NIR spectroscopy to detect three types of allergens in quinoa flour. The method is non-destructive, non-invasive, and highly accurate, providing real-time results that can be performed with minimal training.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Food Composition and Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023

Allergies in Europe: regional differences in sensitization profiles identified in children for the first time

A comprehensive European allergy atlas has been compiled, revealing regional and climate-related differences in sensitisation to allergens. The study found varying sensitisation patterns across Europe, with certain regions having lower sensitivity to house dust mites and higher sensitivity to peanut and fruit allergens.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalAllergy·DateMar 9, 2023

Researchers discover potential way to prevent life-threatening allergic reactions for those with peanut allergies

Scientists at Indiana University School of Medicine have developed a new treatment that blocks anaphylaxis caused by peanut allergies, potentially saving lives. The covalent heterobivalent inhibitor (cHBI) was tested in animal models and showed promise in preventing allergic reactions for over two weeks.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2023