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Testosterone-regulated genes may affect vaccine-induced immunity

A new study suggests that testosterone levels may affect the body's response to vaccines, with men often experiencing weaker antibody responses than women. Researchers found that men with high levels of testosterone had suppressed immune responses, which could be linked to their sex-specific differences in infections and vaccinations.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2013

New target discovered for food allergy treatment

Scientists at National Jewish Health identified a novel target for treating peanut allergies by inhibiting Pim 1 kinase, which increases in the intestines of allergic mice. Treatment with a small molecule inhibitor reduced allergic symptoms, including diarrhea and histamine levels.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateNov 1, 2012

Kids with food allergies can fall through the cracks

A new study found that 70% of reported cases receive a physician's diagnosis for their child's food allergy, but only 1 in 5 receives an oral food challenge test. Lower-income and minority households are more likely to have undiagnosed food allergies, with 32% not receiving diagnostic testing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 13, 2012

What sets allergies in motion?

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have identified a protein group, known as the Rab family, that regulates protein distribution and is involved in triggering allergic reactions. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted drugs that prevent allergic reactions before they start.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateAug 2, 2012

Carnivores: Beware of ticks

Researchers discover tick bites trigger alpha-gal antibodies in patients, leading to delayed anaphylaxis after eating red meat. The study highlights a previously unknown food-induced severe allergic reaction due to a carbohydrate, not protein.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 24, 2012

Children allergic to eggs can benefit from 'egg therapy'

A federally funded study found that oral immunotherapy can retrain the immune system to tolerate eggs in children with egg allergies. In a 10-month study, 35 of 40 children treated with escalating doses of egg powder experienced improvement, with 11 achieving complete long-term elimination of egg-related allergic reactions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 18, 2012

Rate of severe reactions higher than thought in young children with food allergies

A recent study by the Consortium of Food Allergy Research (CoFAR) found that young children with milk and egg allergies experience severe reactions at a higher rate than previously believed. The study also revealed that some caregivers are hesitant to give epinephrine, a medication that reverses the symptoms of such reactions. Nearly 1...

Study identifies causes for high rates of allergic reactions in children with food allergies

A recent study found that young children with food allergies experience almost one allergic reaction per year, despite parental instructions on food avoidance. The study highlights the importance of educating parents and caregivers about avoiding allergenic foods and using epinephrine to treat severe reactions.

'Stomach flu' may be linked to food allergies

A study by researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin suggests a possible link between norovirus and food allergies. The team found an immunoglobulin E response to egg protein in mice infected with norovirus, indicating a potential connection between gastrointestinal viruses and allergic diseases like asthma.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalThe Open Immunology Journal·DateNov 14, 2011

Peanut allergy turned off by tricking immune system

Researchers have developed a method to create tolerance in the immune system by attaching peanut proteins onto blood cells and reintroducing them. This approach has shown promise in preventing life-threatening allergic reactions. By tricking the immune system, researchers hope to target multiple food allergies at once.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateOct 10, 2011

Vitamin D may treat and prevent allergic reaction to mold in cystic fibrosis patients

Researchers found that vitamin D can reduce the production of a protein driving an allergic response in cystic fibrosis patients and increase production of proteins promoting tolerance. The findings support a potential clinical trial to prevent or treat Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) in these patients.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 25, 2010

Burger diet boosts kids' asthma and wheeze risk

A large international study found that a burger diet may boost children's risk of asthma and wheeze, particularly in developed nations. Conversely, a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish appears to reduce this risk. The study, published in Thorax, analyzed data from over 50,000 children aged 8-12 from 20 countries.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·DateJun 2, 2010