Articles tagged with Allergies
Researchers explore bacterial extracellular vesicles as a tool for cancer diagnosis and treatment, with potential for targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules and immunotherapy. However, consistency and safety remain major challenges in this emerging field.
Researchers have uncovered a key mechanism explaining how allergic inflammation in the skin can progress to a body-wide allergic response. IL-13 acts on dendritic cells, enhancing their ability to present allergens and promoting immune responses that produce antibodies.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that fecal transplants from healthy donors reduced peanut allergy symptoms in some patients. The study suggests that the right bacteria can help restore tolerance to food through bile acid metabolites. Increased levels of immune regulatory cells also protected against allergic reactions.
Researchers found that changes to the gut microbiome in mice were linked to increased intestinal permeability and an increase in food allergy severity. The study suggests that gut health plays a crucial role in how the immune system responds to food allergies, offering new avenues for treatment.
In a new clinical trial, about one-third of children with multiple food allergies gained the ability to safely eat full servings of their allergy-triggering foods. The trial, led by Stanford Medicine, tested omalizumab and oral immunotherapy as treatments for life-threatening food allergies.
A study of 88,037 Japanese children found exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months associated with a higher prevalence of food allergy and atopic dermatitis. However, it also showed lower rates of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
Researchers developed a new allergen-specific IgE test to detect functional antibodies capable of triggering immune responses in food allergies. The improved AlphaCL method overcomes limitations of conventional tests, maintaining strong signal responses even with serum components present.
Researchers at Mount Sinai will investigate biological mechanisms driving peanut allergy desensitization, identifying biomarkers for patient prediction and advancing personalized treatment strategies. The INROADS center aims to improve treatment outcomes and accessibility for patients with peanut allergy.
A team of researchers has developed chimeric allergen receptors that can suppress the immune system's response to common allergens, reducing or preventing asthma symptoms in mice. The technique could eventually be used to treat a wide variety of allergies in humans.
Scientists have identified a unique chimeric RNA called UBA1-CDK16 that plays important roles in women's blood cell development and disease severity. The findings suggest the chimeric RNA may serve as a natural brake to protect women from excessive autoimmune activity.
A recent international MRI study found evidence of ongoing neurodegeneration in NMOSD patients, even when they are clinically stable and not experiencing flare-ups. The research suggests that subtle cognitive decline may occur even in the absence of relapses, with brain atrophy rates being faster in NMOSD patients compared to healthy v...
Researchers have identified a key muscle hormone, musclin, that helps clear dead cells and treat periprosthetic joint infections. Musclin triggers macrophage metabolism shifts, boosting efferocytosis capacity and breaking the cycle of inflammation.
The PediQEESI is a new pediatric adaptation of the QEESI questionnaire to assess chemical intolerance in children. It can help identify patterns among symptoms, exposures, and daily functioning, enabling parents and clinicians to avoid future exposure and trigger symptoms.
Research led by University of Queensland found a 17% drop in egg allergy rates among Australian children after implementing guidelines recommending egg introduction at 6 months of age. The study also showed a significant reduction in egg allergy rates among babies with eczema, from 35% to 22%.
A new study has found that standard antibody-based tests can fail to detect all gluten residues in barley beer, leading to concerns about the safety of gluten-free products. Researchers developed a new mass spectrometry method to identify celiac disease-active peptides, which were found in some 'gluten-free' beers.
A study found that implementing earlier egg introduction guidelines resulted in measurable decreases in egg allergy cases. The updated guidelines, based on randomized trial evidence, may contribute to a reduction in food allergy prevalence when effectively implemented.
The £10 million Natasha's Prize aims to develop solutions to prevent food allergy by focusing on prevention. Leading scientists from various disciplines will be invited to apply and brainstorm ideas to stop food allergy development in the first place.
UCLA researchers have found that patients with severe Valley Fever had abnormal immune responses, including overactive or underactive T cells. The team discovered two underlying immune programs that contribute to life-threatening disseminated Valley Fever and developed a new treatment approach using immunomodulation.
Researchers treated 75 children with peanut allergies using slow up-dosing and low maintenance dosing. After three years, 82% of the treatment group could eat at least 3.5 peanuts without an allergic reaction.
CoFAR's FoodSpace is an online platform that bridges gaps in food allergy research by bringing together protocols, study materials, and data from multiple studies. This initiative aims to drive scientific discovery and foster a global collaborative research environment for conditions affecting 8% of children and 11% of adults in the US.
Researchers found that mice raised in natural environments were protected from severe allergic reactions due to a specific antibody that helps block allergic reactions. Exposure to diverse microbes and proteins early in life creates broad immune memory, allowing the immune system to respond in a balanced way.
Researchers have mapped the molecular mechanism behind allergic reactions and developed tailored antibodies to block life-threatening responses. The findings suggest a new approach to targeting the most important allergens and provide a starting point for developing more precise treatments for severe allergy.
Children with rare food allergy FPIES exhibit atypical gut microbiota compared to healthy peers, according to a new Umeå University study. The analysis of stool samples revealed differences in bacterial composition associated with FPIES, which may contribute to the development of more individualized strategies for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers discovered that targeting the Dectin-1 receptor can restore functional pathways of dysfunctional immune cells like Tregs, offering a promising novel therapeutic avenue for treating allergic asthma. The study showed that this approach can reduce airway inflammation and renew immunoregulatory capacity.
A single-cell study reveals how immune memory cells are molecularly programmed to respond faster when encountering a familiar threat. The study found that memory CD4⁺ T cells have their DNA primed to activate key defense genes within hours, providing a head start in responding to known pathogens.
Scientists have identified specific proteins in common food sources like corn, soy, and wheat that signal to the immune system that they are safe to eat. Regulatory T cells, also known as Tregs, play a key role in this process, scanning food for these key proteins and calming the immune system when they find them.
A study in mice suggests that matcha may reduce the need to sneeze in people with nasal allergies, suppressing brainstem neuronal activation without changing major immune markers. The findings provide a potential, food-based option to complement standard care for allergic rhinitis symptoms.
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.
Researchers found that exposure to microbes induces a lasting immune memory in fibroblasts, protecting lungs from allergic reactions for months. This discovery opens up new possibilities for developing preventive strategies for respiratory allergies.
Research found that pollen exposure is negatively correlated with matriculation exam scores, particularly in subjects requiring accuracy and concentration. Pollen levels above a certain threshold led to a U-shaped curve drop in exam scores.
A new study found that certain gut bacteria, such as Rothia species, can break down peanut allergens, reducing the severity of allergic reactions. This discovery may lead to new approaches in allergy prevention and treatment.
A new study found a combination of genetic, environmental, microbial and social factors influence childhood food allergies. Early-life factors like skin health, microbiome, and environmental exposures increase the risk of developing a food allergy by age six.
A meta-analysis of childhood food allergy risk factors reveals a combination of major and minor factors, including genetics and antibiotic exposure. The study provides insights into the complex interplay of these factors in the development of food allergies in infants and children.
Researchers identified Fab antibody fragments that target the IgE Cε2 domain, effectively stripping IgE from mast cells. The most potent Fab clones showed rapid efficacy in cellular assays and in vivo anaphylaxis models, demonstrating potential as a next-generation anti-allergy therapy.
A study reveals that IgE⁺ plasmablasts are the key drivers of rapid, potent immune responses in seasonal allergies, triggering symptoms upon allergen re-exposure. By targeting these cells, new 'on-demand' treatment strategies may prevent or mitigate allergy relapse.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown mechanism that can reduce the risk of allergies and asthma in children. Certain bifidobacteria produce a substance called 4-hydroxyphenyl lactate (4-OH-PLA), which dampens immune responses to allergens, reducing the production of IgE antibodies.
A new study found that a small dose of peanut oral immunotherapy can help children with their peanut allergy and reduce the risk of severe reactions from accidental exposures. Children receiving the low-dose treatment experienced significant increases in their allergic reaction threshold to peanuts.
A study from the University of Rochester Medical Center found that farm-exposed infants develop higher levels of protective antibodies and have an earlier maturation of their antibody-producing system. This early development is associated with a lower risk of developing egg allergy.
A 47-year-old man from New Jersey died after consuming beef due to a tick-borne meat allergy caused by the Lone Star tick's alpha-gal sugar. Researchers identified the allergy and its link to fatal anaphylaxis, urging physicians to investigate severe abdominal pain after eating red meat in areas with high Lone Star tick populations.
Allergist Cherie Zachary, MD, was installed as president of the ACAAI, replacing David Stukus, MD. Dr. Zachary brings experience in leadership and equity initiatives to her role.
A long-term study found that more than 70% of toddlers who received peanut patch treatment could tolerate at least three to four peanut kernels after three years. The treatment continued to show a strong safety record, with no cases of anaphylaxis reported.
Eczema's duration and severity significantly impact a child's likelihood of outgrowing food allergies. Children with longer-lasting, more severe eczema are less likely to overcome food allergies.
The Allergists' Foundation has supported six community grant projects addressing various challenges in healthcare, including hereditary angioedema diagnosis, asthma management, food insecurity screening, and female carriers of chronic granulomatous disease. These initiatives aim to enhance patient care, education, advocacy, and research.
New research reveals that social media videos about alpha-gal syndrome and asthma often contain inaccurate or misleading claims, while physician-made videos receive more likes and comments. Allergists can play a crucial role in sharing science-based information to improve public understanding and mitigate health risks.
A new study found that nearly half of obstetricians refer pregnant patients to allergists only once a year, and about one in four never refer them at all. The most frequently cited barriers are limited knowledge about referral indications and long wait times for appointments.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that non-coeliac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGWS) affects approximately 10.3% of the global population, with distinct variations in prevalence across countries. Symptoms often improve when gluten or wheat is avoided, but diagnosis remains challenging due to unclear disease process.
A new study shows that eosinophils, typically linked to allergies, play a protective role against Candida infections by recognizing the fungus and releasing proteins that stop its growth. This discovery opens the door to new therapies that could strengthen natural defenses against life-threatening fungal infections.
A study published in Pediatrics found that adoption of early peanut introduction guidelines led to significant reductions in diagnosis of peanut and other IgE-mediated food allergies. The findings suggest a promising impact on public health efforts to disseminate these practices.
A nationwide survey in Japan revealed that patients have a strong desire for involvement in allergy research, but researchers often fail to engage. The study identifies key priorities for improving patient-centered care, including training programs and digital tools.
This study found that TNF-α is highly expressed in asthma patients' airways and induces bronchial fibroblasts to produce inflammatory cytokines. The upregulated genes are closely related to eosinophil or neutrophil inflammation, indicating a role for bronchial fibroblasts in airway inflammation.
A new study led by Northwestern University found that introducing peanut-containing foods to infants can cut peanut allergy risk by more than 80%. Pediatrician training and electronic health record prompts significantly improved adherence to guidelines, with guideline-based care seen in 84% of low-risk infants.
A randomized clinical trial shows that targeted educational and clinical decision-support tools improve pediatrician adherence to prevention guidelines, leading to higher rates of early peanut introduction. The intervention resulted in significantly higher guideline adherence among low-risk infants.
A study suggests that nasal sprays are as effective as injection devices like EpiPens in delivering adrenaline to counter anaphylactic shock. The sprays can reach the bloodstream faster, with similar levels of adrenaline seen in blood plasma, and have a longer shelf life.
Researchers investigate the role of mast cells in eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic disease causing inflammation and scarring. The study aims to identify new treatments to improve quality of life for patients with EoE.
A study identified eight additional foods frequently involved in food-induced anaphylaxis, including goat's and sheep's milk, buckwheat, and pine nut. The research proposes that these foods be considered for inclusion on the European mandatory labelling of foods list due to their frequency, severity, and potential for hidden exposure.
A new study will investigate whether low levels of the lung protein CC16 in childhood can predict who will develop early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) later in life. The five-year study aims to identify children at risk for early COPD and potentially intervene to prevent lung disease.
Blum investigates how the immune system interprets what we eat, exploring mechanisms of oral tolerance and signaling that help our bodies tolerate most foods. Her research could enable new immunotherapy strategies for preventing or treating food allergies.
Researchers found that neutralizing the TSLP protein significantly improves Eosinophilic Esophagitis symptoms, suggesting a potential new treatment strategy. The study's findings may also have implications for other allergic disorders.
A Northwestern University study found that Zileuton nearly eliminated life-threatening allergic reactions to food allergens in mice by targeting a previously unknown gene called DPEP1. The discovery could lead to a new, simple pill-based treatment for food allergies.
Conventional dendritic cells have been found to originate from both myeloid and lymphoid progenitors, revealing their unique functions and developmental pathways. These lymphoid-derived cDCs exhibit potent functions in immune suppression and allergy induction, and follow diverse developmental pathways.