A University of Alberta study found that babies from pet households had higher levels of microbes linked to lower allergy and obesity risks. Exposure to pets in the womb or after birth increased abundance of bacteria Ruminococcus and Oscillospira, which have been linked to reduced childhood allergies and obesity.
A molecule naturally produced by the immune system protects mice and monkeys against Zika virus infection, reducing fetal brain damage and microcephaly. Administering 25-hydroxycholesterol to pregnant mice also protected them from Zika-induced developmental defects.
Researchers found that a probiotic combination of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria may alleviate mild seasonal allergy symptoms by increasing tolerance to hay fever. Participants who took the probiotic reported improvements in quality of life, including fewer nose symptoms and increased comfort during daily activities.
A research team led by the University of Leicester identified a breakthrough in the cause of airway narrowing in severe asthma cases. The study found that an active form of key protein HMGB1 is increased and related to airway narrowing.
Lyme disease affects approximately 329,000 people annually in the US, with a focus on understanding how Borrelia burgdorferi adapts to survive in tick vectors and mammalian hosts. Dr. Seshu's research seeks to find better solutions to prevent the spread of Lyme disease.
Researchers confirm live Zika virus infects reproductive tract, replicates and causes disease in mouse models. Hormonal injection timing affects vulnerability to infection, with diestrus-infected mice showing no signs of disease despite viral persistence.
A study of 577 children living in Puerto Rico found that closer proximity to major roads was associated with higher levels of interleukin 31, a cytokine promoting allergic inflammation. This increase in IL-31 levels is linked to increased asthma risk and severity in genetically susceptible children.
A study found that many doctors acknowledge the need for testing but rarely refer patients with reported penicillin allergy. In fact, only 30% of physicians knew that most patients can tolerate penicillin-like antibiotics.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends introducing peanut-containing foods as early as 4-6 months for high-risk infants with severe eczema and/or egg allergy. Early introduction has been shown to benefit infants who are sensitized to peanuts in studies like LEAP.
A NIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences study found that dust mite allergens are more stable and abundant than other dust mite proteins. This discovery may lead to the development of new approaches for treating dust mite allergies, a common trigger for asthma.
Researchers found a subset of children with asthma exhibiting few allergies yet suffering from frequent symptoms, challenging traditional treatment guidelines.
Research from the University of South Carolina suggests that antibiotic treatment within the first year of life may increase food allergy diagnosis in children. The study analyzed data from 2007 to 2009 and found a strong association between antibiotic prescription and development of food allergies.
A new study found that children with a history of food allergy are more likely to develop asthma and allergic rhinitis, with rates roughly doubling in those with peanut, milk, and egg allergies. The study analyzed data from over 1 million urban and suburban children.
Climate change may cause ragweed pollen allergy to more than double in Europe, affecting 77 million people by 2050. The number of people suffering hay fever is already estimated at 40% of Europeans, and the severity of symptoms may increase due to higher pollen concentrations and longer seasons.
A 20-year study shows that probiotic supplementation in newborns can provide long-term protection against allergies. Meanwhile, a new vaccine for cat allergies lasts 8 times longer than existing ones, while research on dairy farm kids' immunity to milk allergies may lead to an asthma vaccine.
A new study from the University of Otago suggests that childhood exposure to microbial organisms through thumb-sucking and nail-biting reduces the risk of developing allergies. The study found that children who engaged in these habits had lower rates of allergy development compared to those who did not.
A new NIH-funded study shows that introducing peanut-containing foods during infancy is a safe and effective strategy for preventing peanut allergy. The research, based on the LEAP clinical trial, found no negative effects on infant and child growth and nutrition, including breastfeeding duration and body mass index.
Lomonosov Moscow State University scientists have developed a new method to extract DNA from various organisms. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of preventive vaccines against infectious diseases, allergies, and cancers.
TP508 has significantly increased survival and delayed mortality when injected up to 24 hours after lethal radiation exposure in controlled preclinical studies. The award brings total NIAID funding to over $6M and allows Chrysalis to complete FDA approval studies.
Researchers found that BST-2 is an important target for viral replication in the brain and that preventing HIV inhibition of this factor may reduce neurocognitive disorders. Mutations in the viral envelope were shown to enhance antagonism of BST-2, leading to efficient viral replication in the CNS.
Researchers identified key signal TBK1 drives Tfh cell maturation, promoting precise immune response. ICOS regulates B cell activation and specificity through TBK1 association.
Researchers have found that single antibody infusions can protect monkeys against infection with an HIV-like virus for up to 23 weeks. The study used broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting a wide range of HIV strains and showed varying levels of protection depending on the antibody's potency and half-life.
Researchers at Cardiff University discovered a signaling molecule that can alleviate asthma symptoms such as mucus production and airway constriction. The study found that blocking this molecule can help regulate the allergic immune response, potentially leading to improved treatment options for asthma sufferers worldwide.
Researchers at the University of Southampton discovered specific DNA markers linked to seasonal births and allergic disease. Epigenetic marks present at birth were found to influence gene expression for up to 18 years later.
A new study published in The BMJ reviewed data from 37 trials on infant hydrolysed milk formula and found no statistically significant reduction in the risk of conditions such as eczema, wheezing, or food allergies. The research also revealed conflicts of interest in many studies due to financial links with baby formula manufacturers.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 intervention trials found no consistent evidence that partially or extensively hydrolysed milk formula prevents allergic or autoimmune diseases in infants. Current guidelines recommending these formulas may be misguided, experts say.
A study by McMaster University found that teenagers with food allergies are more likely to have depression, anxiety, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to their peers without allergies. Mothers of teens with food allergies are also more likely to report these emotional and behavioral problems.
A study reveals how CARD9 specifically protects the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) from fungal infections. Researchers found that mice and humans lacking functional CARD9 cannot recruit neutrophils to control Candida infection in the CNS, highlighting the critical role of CARD9 in promoting antifungal immunity.
A new study found no significant difference in allergies between children who were breastfed and those formula-fed. The study examined 194 patients aged 4-18 years old with hay fever and similar numbers of kids with asthma, eczema, and food allergy.
A new study found that most seasonal allergy sufferers take over-the-counter medications rather than prescribed treatments, despite being more satisfied with these options. The survey also revealed children are more likely to receive care from allergists and be on prescription medication compared to adults.
A Mayo Clinic study found stepping down daily asthma medicines can be done safely and at less cost for patients with stable asthma. Patients who stepped down their medicines saved an average of $34 per month compared to those who maintained the same level, without increased costs or reduced quality of life.
A new review based on latest evidence interprets how to guide physicians and families regarding food introduction and allergy prevention. Introducing peanut between 4-11 months is now recommended for high-risk infants, contradicting previous avoidance diets.
Exposure to bacteria particles and farm dust blunts inflammatory immune responses in children, protecting them from allergies. The protective effect is linked to the anti-inflammatory enzyme A20, which squashes pro-inflammatory molecule generation in lung epithelial cells.
Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) play a critical role in shaping the immune response and maintaining self-tolerance. A recent study by LJI researchers identified a molecular pathway that maintains Treg cell stability and suppressive function, crucial for immune system balance. The discovery suggests that Treg cells may not be stable und...
A new study by Aarhus University found that a Danish nasal filter significantly reduced symptoms of hay fever in people with grass pollen allergies. The filter was shown to be up to 100% effective in reducing symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, and watery eyes when used preventively.
The study found that exposure to traffic-related air pollution during infancy increased the risk of developing allergies to food, mould, pets, and pests. Children who attended daycare or had older siblings in the household were less likely to develop allergic sensitization.
Researchers have identified a cellular receptor, CDHR3, for rhinovirus C, a cold-causing virus strongly associated with severe asthma attacks. A variant of the gene has been linked to an increased risk of childhood wheezing illnesses and asthma.
Researchers find that nitrogen dioxide and ground-level ozone can increase the potency of airborne allergens, contributing to rising allergy rates. The study suggests chemical modifications of allergenic proteins may play a key role in the increasing prevalence of allergies worldwide.
A genome-wide association study identified a genetic risk area on chromosome 6 linked to peanut allergy in US children of European descent. The study found two closely linked genes, HLA-DR and HLA-DQ, associated with epigenetic changes that may contribute to the development of peanut allergy.
A clinical trial found that introducing peanut products to the diets of infants at high risk of developing peanut allergy led to an 81% reduction in subsequent allergy development. The study, supported by NIH/NIAID, suggests a new approach to preventing peanut allergy.
Research by Henry Ford Hospital reveals that breastfeeding and early exposure to bacteria stimulate the immune system, boosting protection against allergies and asthma. The study found distinct gut microbiome compositions in breastfed vs non-breastfed infants, with breastfed babies at lower risk of developing allergies.
A new UTMB study found that most patients using epinephrine autoinjectors incorrectly, with only 16% using the device properly. Inhaler users also made significant mistakes, with 63% missing three or more steps. Improving patient training is crucial to maximize medication effectiveness.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found a strong link between peanut exposure in household dust and the development of peanut allergies, particularly among children with eczema. The research suggests that exposure to peanut proteins through impaired skin barriers may trigger allergic reactions.
A study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting found that spring pollen counts in Ontario, Canada were down considerably, with levels of certain tree pollens being four to five times lower than usual. This challenges predictions of a harsh 'pollen vortex' affecting allergy sufferers.
A recent study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) found that teenagers with asthma have higher health literacy levels than their caregivers. Additionally, a study on YouTube videos for asthma control revealed that most popular videos provide low-quality information, while videos from healthcare providers ...
A study found that household air pollution was twice as great in homes with children suffering from asthma and allergies. Volatile organic compounds also increased in these households.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded seven research contracts to discover novel vaccine adjuvants that safely boost immune responses. The goal is to improve current vaccines, extend the vaccine supply, or enhance efficacy in people with immature or weakened immune systems.
Researchers found camels to be the primary reservoir of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), shedding the virus in their nasal secretions for up to 35 days. Vaccinating camels may reduce transmission risk to people and other camels.
Research found that environment plays a significant role in the development of eosinophilic esophagitis, a severe and often painful food allergy. The study also identified several environmental risk factors, including food allergies and high twin birth-weight difference.
According to a Northwestern Medicine study, only one in four students with asthma and half of children with food allergies have emergency health management plans in place at school. This underutilization leaves schools inadequately prepared to handle medical emergencies and puts the most vulnerable students at risk.
Researchers have identified marmosets as an ideal animal model to study Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERS-CoV) due to their DPP4 protein's similarity to humans. The marmoset model recapitulates severe respiratory symptoms seen in human patients, making it a promising candidate for future therapeutic studies.
Inadequately managed allergies result in significant economic costs due to reduced working capacity and absence from work. Effective treatment can reduce these costs by up to 95%, with average annual cost of 125 Euros per patient.
A clinical trial found that high-dose fluticasone induced remission in 65% of patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, while 25% remained resistant to steroid treatment. Gene expression analysis identified a cluster of genes associated with steroid responsiveness.
Scientists have identified genetic markers associated with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an inflammatory disease characterized by high levels of immune cells in the esophagus. The study found that several genes are involved in EoE development, which can cause difficulty eating and is often associated with food allergies.
A study by University of Gothenburg researchers found that children raised on dairy farms have a lower risk of developing allergies. The study suggests that delayed maturation of the immune system may be a risk factor for allergic disease. Researchers plan to examine specific factors on dairy farms that promote immune system maturity.
A clinical study from Aarhus University finds that a newly developed Danish mini-filter, Rhinix, appears to be significantly more effective against the discomfort of seasonal hay fever than a filterless placebo. The filter reduces nasal symptoms by up to 75% and alleviates throat irritation.
Researchers have identified a new genetic syndrome characterized by severe allergy, immune deficiency, autoimmunity, and motor neurocognitive impairment. The syndrome is caused by mutations in the PGM3 gene, leading to underactive protein production and glycosylation defects.
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects nearly 30 million Americans, causing significant healthcare costs annually. The Northwestern Medicine Sinus and Allergy Center is receiving a $8.4M NIH grant to advance CRS research and develop new treatment strategies.
Children born to mothers who ate more nuts during pregnancy may have a lower risk of developing peanut or tree nut allergies. The study found that nonallergic mothers with the highest P/TN consumption had children with the lowest risk of P/TN allergy.
A new study from Boston Children's Hospital found that pregnant mothers who consumed peanuts during pregnancy had a lower risk of their children developing peanut allergies. The research suggests that early exposure to peanuts may actually increase tolerance and reduce the risk of childhood food allergy.