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Dust in homes with dogs may protect against allergies, asthma

A recent study suggests that exposure to dust from homes with dogs can alter the immune response to allergens, reducing allergic inflammation. The researchers found that mice fed dog-associated dust were protected against airway inflammation triggered by cockroach allergen and respiratory syncytial virus.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2013

Each food fish can cause specific allergies

Studies by Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research and University of Leipzig reveal species-specific allergens in Nile perch and shellfish, potentially allowing diagnosis and treatment tailored to individual allergies. Researchers identify parvalbumin as a common allergen, but also discover new proteins with low allergenic potential.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalJournal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology·DateDec 11, 2013

Skin sensitivity to food allergens explained

Researchers found that skin contact with food allergens can lead to the reprogramming of gut-homing T cells into skin-homing T cells, exacerbating atopic dermatitis. This discovery has important implications for preventing and treating atopic dermatitis in patients with food allergies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 2, 2011

Airborne asthma allergens

A study found that airborne fungal groups Cladosporium and Mycelia sterilia are more common in urban areas with high vehicular traffic, contributing to the region's high asthma incidence. The research suggests a link between environmental triggers and genetic susceptibility, shedding light on the complex factors driving the epidemic.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Technology and Management·DateMar 2, 2009

Allergic response tied to lipid molecules in cell membrane

Researchers at Penn State University have discovered that lipid molecules in cell membranes play a key role in triggering allergic reactions. The team used advanced imaging techniques to show how cholesterol-rich lipid domains associate with IgE antibodies and their receptors, leading to histamine release and allergic symptoms.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 7, 2008

Animal food allergens unmasked

New research from Norwich BioScience Institutes and Medical University of Vienna found that only animal food proteins less than 54% identical to human equivalent can become allergenic. The study identified three protein families, including tropomyosins, EF-hand proteins, and caseins, which are responsible for most animal food allergies.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 14, 2007

Cat hair at home poses an allergy risk, particularly for young children

A study published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that exposure to cat allergens at home increases the frequency of allergic sensitization in young children. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 children born between 1997 and 1999 and found that even brief contact with cat hair can lead to sensitization.

All itches not created equal -- Different parts of brain activated depending on cause

Researchers found that different parts of the brain are activated depending on the cause of itching, with allergen-induced itches activating the supplementary motor and posterior parietal areas. Histamine-induced itches, on the other hand, activate a smaller area of the brain, suggesting a compulsion to scratch in those cases.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateDec 6, 2006

Experimental ragweed therapy offers allergy sufferers longer relief with fewer shots

A new study found that an investigational therapy reduced allergy symptoms in adults for at least a year after just six injections of the major ragweed allergen, Amb a 1, coupled to a unique DNA sequence. The therapy showed promise in reducing symptoms and improving quality-of-life scores compared to standard immunotherapy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 4, 2006

Deadly latex evading lax food labelling laws

A recent UK study found that one third of food packaging tested contained latex, with transferable amounts causing severe reactions. The lack of labelling poses a significant risk to individuals with natural rubber latex allergies, who can be exposed to deadly levels of the allergen.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateAug 6, 2006